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
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 575-525-4300
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Lake Valley Backcountry Byway — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Lake Valley Backcountry Byway. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Mtn Bell Road, County Road BO61. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Lake Valley Backcountry Byway is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Caballo Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
MRobison / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Percha Diversion Dam
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
