Billy the Kid Scenic Byway Follow the ghosts of famous lawmen, outlaws and warriors through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest.
Bitter Lake NWR Bitter Lake NWR lies within the Central Flyway and is part of a complex of several thousand playa lakes found in New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico. The refuge lies along the transition zone of the Chihuahuan Desert and Southern Plains, providing habitat for several mammal and reptile species unique to this part of New Mexico. Bitter Lake NWR is the most biologically significant wetland in the Pecos watershed within New Mexico. The 24,500-acre refuge contains habitat types ranging from a saline playa lake and wetland areas to shortgrass prairie and desert uplands. While originally established to save wetlands vital to the perpetuation of migratory birds, the isolated gypsum springs, seeps, and associated wetlands protected by the refuge have been recognized as providing the last known habitats in the world for several unique species. Bitter Lake NWR provides habitat for over 350 species of birds, 57 mammal species, 50 reptile and amphibian species, and 24 fish species. The refuge typically winters over 20,000 snow geese, Ross' geese, and Canada geese, and up to 10,000 lesser sandhill cranes. Marshbird, waterbird, and shorebird populations reach over 3,000 each spring and fall. Along with more abundant species, the refuge harbors six species which are federally listed as threatened or endangered. These include the Pecos bluntnose shiner, Pecos gambusia, interior least tern, bald eagle, American peregrine falcon, and brown pelican. An additional 15 plant and animal species on the refuge are listed by the state of New Mexico as endangered. These include the Noel's amphipod, Pecos assiminea, Roswell springsnail, Koster's springsnail, Say's pond snail, Mexican tetra, Pecos pupfish, greenthroat darter, river cooter, ribbon snake, neotropic cormorant, Baird's sparrow, Bell's vireo, least shrew, and Pecos puzzle sunflower. Several special management areas are encompassed by the refuge. These include the 9,621-acre Salt Creek Wilderness, the 10,090-acre Bitter Lake Group National Natural Landmark, the 700-acre Lake St. Francis Research Natural Area, the 300-acre Bitter Lake Research Natural Area, and the 2-acre Inkpot Research Natural Area.
BLM Dunes OHV Recreation Area Open OHV recreation area draws 4WD and OHV enthusiasts from all over the Four Corners region.
Bosque del Apache NWR Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The 57,191 acre refuge straddles the Rio Grande Valley in Socorro, County, New Mexico. It ranges in elevation from 4,500 to 6,272 feet, and receives approximately 7 inches of precipitation per year. Within the refuge borders lie three wilderness areas totaling approximately 30,850 acres and five research natural areas totaling 18,500 acres.
Brantley Reservoir Recreation at Brantley Dam, Reservoir, Carlsbad Project, is managed by the New Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The park headquarters can be reached at 505-457-2384. Park open 24 hours. Fee area. Visitor center 4.5 miles from park entrance at U.S. 285. Good access roads. No concessionaires. No food service. No lodging within park. Nearest communities from park entrance, Carlsbad 12 miles south and Artesia 24 miles north. Year-round fishing for white bass, catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie. There are hiking trails and water skiing and scuba diving for game fish are permitted. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations.
Caballo Reservoir Recreation at Caballo Dam and reservoir, Rio Grande Project, is managed by the New Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The park headquarters can be reached at (505) 743-3942. Open year-round. Best fishing is late April through August. Entry fees charged. Good access roads. Nearest community is Truth or Consequences. The 11,000-acre reservoir created in 1938 across the Rio Grande, is 15 miles long with more than 50 miles of shoreline. Fishing opportunities on Caballo Reservoir are available for striped bass, white bass, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Walleye fishing is available at Percha State Park, 2 miles south of Caballo Dam. Over 200 camping and picnicking sites; 66 with electric outlets and grills. There are 2 boat ramps and concession-operated marinas, and stores. The area is also a premier birding location in the Southwest. Excellent riparian habitat exists below the dam attracting interesting birds in all seasons. Some to be seen are quail, flycatchers, tanagers, jays, and bluebirds. Caballo also is home to several wintering species such as grebes, pelicans, geese, ducks, Bald Eagles, and an assortment of gulls.
