Scenic Drives USA

Billy the Kid is in south-central New Mexico nearly 50 miles west of Roswell. The byway forms a loop drive beginning and ending in Hondo. It is 68 miles long and follows US 380, NM 48, and US 70. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Billy the Kid is open year-round.

Chain of Craters is in west-central New Mexico about 25 miles southwest of Grants. It follows CR 42 south for 36 miles to the junction of NM 117. County Road 42 is a dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended during wet weather. The byway usually remains open year-round but can become impassable during and after periods of inclement weather.

El Camino Real crosses central New Mexico from Santa Fe to the Texas state line near El Paso. The byway follows a series of US Highways and State Highways closely paralleling I-25. All the roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. El Camino Real is 276 miles long and remains open year round.

Enchanted Circle is in north-central New Mexico about 70 miles northeast of Santa Fe. The byway forms a loop drive beginning and ending in Taos. It follows NM 38, NM 522, and US 64 for a total of 84 miles. All the roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Enchanted Circle generally remains open year-round.

Guadalupe Back Country Byway is located in southeast New Mexico. It begins about 12 miles north of Carlsbad and travels south to the Lincoln National Forest entrance. Guadalupe follows NM 137, which is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is 30 miles long and is open year-round.