A meandering 48-mile drive on paved roads takes visitors through ranching and mining country and past the ruins of the 1880s mining town of Lake Valley. The Lake Valley Back Country Byway is nestled between the Mimbres and Caballo Mountains and the Cooke's Range in southwestern New Mexico and offers spectacular scenic views. Rich in history and scenery, the Byway offers an outstanding trip for travelers with an hour to spare.

Go west of Caballo Lake on NM 152, then south on NM 27. Alternatively, from NM 26 at the town of Nutt, travel north on NM 27 for about 12 miles.