Attractions - Byways

Billy the Kid National Scenic Byway encompasses the infamous outlaw’s old stomping grounds in Lincoln County in today’s Southern New Mexico. Some things haven’t changed much since the 1880s, and the area remains largely undeveloped. The route is defined by New Mexico Highways 48 and 220 and U.S. Highways 70 and 380.

The soft hues and green pastures of the Hondo Valley temper the terrain, where the tree-lined Rio Ruidoso marks the property lines of the small farms and ranches that make up this rural community. By late summer, those trees are laden with apples and cherries, available at fruit stands along the way. Homes of artists are tucked into the area’s hills and valleys. Sculptors, like Luis Jimenez, find the local ambiance an inspiration for their craft. Pull off the road at San Patricio to peruse the Hurd-La Rinconada Gallery, a collection of works by Peter and Michael Hurd and Andrew and Henriette Wyeth, all famous throughout New Mexico for their contribution to the arts.

Much folklore — still debated and perhaps inflated — surrounds William “Billy the Kid” Bonney, who gained his reputation through his involvement in many fights and shoot-outs, most notably, the Lincoln County War of 1878, one of the bloodiest range wars in American history.

Today, the town of Lincoln serves as a quiet, peaceable reminder of a colorful past. Although Highway 380 is sometimes called “the forgotten road,” the past is still close to the hearts of those who maintain the general store, museums and historic markers of Lincoln, which resembles a movie set for an old western.

Baby-boomers will enjoy Capitan for its tribute to Smokey Bear, the large, loveable bear whose slogan, "Only you can prevent forest fires" was famous during the 1950s. Smokey was actually a survivor of the Capitan Gap fire in May 1950. The burned cub was rescued by firefighters, spent most of his life in the National Zoo and was buried in Capitan.

As part of the Scenic Byway, Route 220 drops down between the Sierra Blanca and Capitan Mountains, which border the historical site of Fort Stanton. Established by the U.S. Army in 1855 and famous for its Buffalo Soldiers, the fort’s primary function was to protect pioneers who were settling in the region from the hostile Mescalero Apaches. Named after Captain Henry W. Stanton, the outpost was later commanded by Kit Carson during the Civil War. There are guided tours through many of the remaining buildings and adjoining cemetery.

On your way to Ruidoso on Highway 48, a modern structure appears on the horizon: The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. This multi-use center is known for its world-class productions and its extraordinary architecture. The lobby is accented in brightly colored glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly.

The welcome mat is always out in the small resort town of Ruidoso. In summer, golfers have the choice of several prime courses at The Links while the winter crowd gravitates to Ski Apache. Guided horseback rides are available at nearby ranches and fishing is plentiful in the numerous streams and lakes situated among the tall pines. Shoppers will enjoy boutique stores featuring arts, crafts and products made by local artisans.

For some action, head to Ruidoso Downs racetrack for the best in quarter horse racing, where the famed American Futurity is an annual Labor Day event. While there, try your luck at Billy the Kid Casino. Finally, stop by the Hubbard Museum of the American West to see its collection of art, cowboy artifacts, wagons and the Anne C. Stradling exhibit of horse-related items.

For more information, visit www.billybyway.com.