Billy the Kid Trail
Places to Visit

  • Byway Visitor Center

    Byway Visitor Center (NM)

    The Byway Visitor Center houses a trove of information about major attractions along the byway and the area of Lincoln County.

    Location:

    Located at 791 Hwy-70 West in Ruidoso Downs
  • Fort Stanton Reservation

    Fort Stanton Reservation (NM)

    The Fort Stanton Reservation is nestled in the foothills of the Capitan and Sierra Blanca Mountains. Administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this area of public land is rich in history and recreational opportunities.

    Location:

    Located along NM-220, about four miles southeast of Capitan
  • Hubbard Museum of the American West

    Hubbard Museum of the American West (NM)

    The Hubbard Museum of the American West, formerly the Museum of the Horse, chronicles the contributions of this remarkable animal through richly diverse collections of fine art, family heirlooms, and western memorabilia.

    Location:

    Located at 841 Hwy-70 West in Ruidoso Downs
  • Lincoln

    Lincoln (NM)

    Lincoln is a town which has been largely deserted but has a rich historical legacy.

    Location:

    Located along US-380, about 3 miles southeast of Double Crossing.

  • Lincoln National Forest (NM)

    This Forest is known as the birthplace of the world-famous Smokey Bear, the living symbol of the campaign to prevent forest fires. The original bear is buried in Capitan, New Mexico.

    Location:

    In southcentral New Mexico.
  • Lincoln State Monument

    Lincoln State Monument (NM)

    Established in the 1850s, Lincoln has remained virtually unchanged since the Lincoln County War was fought here. Now a National Historic Landmark and State Monument, you can visit eleven different historic sites.

    Location:

    Located in Lincoln, 12 miles east of Capitan on US-380
  • Ruidoso

    Ruidoso (NM)

    Ruidoso comes from the Rio Ruidoso ("Noisy River"), which runs through town.

    Location:

    Located along NM-48.
  • Ruidoso Downs Race Track

    Ruidoso Downs Race Track (NM)

    The Ruidoso Downs Race Track is home to the world's richest quarter horse race, The All-American Futurity.

    Location:

    Located at 1461 Hwy-70 E in Ruidoso Downs.
  • Ski Apache

    Ski Apache (NM)

    Owned and operated by the Mescalero Apache Indian Tribe, Ski Apache offers exceptional skiing opportunities.

    Distance from byway: 18 mi / 29.0 km
    Travel time: 30 minutes
    Directions:

    From Ruidoso, take NM-48 north. At the junction with NM-532, turn left and go west until you come to Ski Apache.
  • Smokey Bear Museum and Park

    Smokey Bear Museum and Park (NM)

    The Smokey Bear Museum and Park, located in Capitan, New Mexico, pays tribute to a courageous little bear that has become the nation's symbol for fighting and preventing forest fires.

    Location:

    Located at 102 Smokey Bear Blvd in Capitan, New Mexico