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.

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.

Contact the field office for more information.

Distant view of low mountains with desert grasses and other vegetation in the foreground.

Lake Valley Backcountry Byway

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 The recreation area is open year around. 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. Entry fees are charged.
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.

Recreation at <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Caballo+Dam" rel="nofollow">Caballo Dam</a> and reservoir, Rio Grande Project, is managed by the New Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The The recreation area is open year around. 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. Entry fees are charged. 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.

Head into the cave with steep, uneven stairs

Steep concrete stairs heading into the cave

The Nativity Formation in Great Onyx Cave.

Entrance stairs

Cave formations in Great Onyx

Large open cave passageway

Gypsum formations in blister like formations along with a flower formation

Enter into the cave through the stone entrance

Stone structure with door in the middle with lanterns off to the side

The Nativity Scene, one of the largest cave formations in Great Onyx cave

stlagmites and stalgties in the middle od the passageway

Use a Coleman lantern as your light source for the entirety of the tour

Coleman lantern lit in the cave with a pile  of rocks behind

Caballo Reservoir

Caballo Lake State Park is located in the dramatic landscape of the northern
Chihuahuan desert, it has become an oasis in an otherwise arid environment.
Caballo Lake is named for the Caballo Mountains that border the lake to the
northeast, east, and southeast, in which wild horses roamed; Caballo means
"horse" in Spanish. Caballo Lake is a reservoir on the Rio Grande in southern
New Mexico. Caballo Lake was built in the 1930s as part of the Depression-era
New Deal Program. In 1964 Caballo Lake became a state park.  
  
The area surrounding Caballo Lake is rich in both natural and cultural
history. Desert mountain ranges and millions of years of geologic history
surround the lake, situated in the southern Rio Grande valley. The sedimentary
layers of earth surrounding the lake hold tangible evidence of ancient life in
the form of plant fossils and faunal remains. Evidence for people living in
the area goes back thousands of years.  
  
Caballo Lake State park offers a visitor center, camping, allows horseback
riding, showers, group shelters, electric hook ups, restrooms, dump stations,
boating/boat ramps, fishing, playground, trails, and R.V. pull through sites.
Caballo Lake State Park is open all year, with the exception of those areas
which are seasonally closed, or those areas or facilities which are closed
temporarily for maintenance or safety purposes. The office is generally open
from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Caballo Lake State Park is located in the dramatic landscape of the northern Chihuahuan desert, it has become an oasis in an otherwise arid environment. Caballo Lake is named for the Caballo Mountains that border the lake to the northeast, east, and southeast, in which wild horses roamed; Caballo means "horse" in Spanish. Caballo Lake is a reservoir on the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. Caballo Lake was built in the 1930s as part of the Depression-era New Deal Program. In 1964 Caballo Lake became a state park. 

The area surrounding Caballo Lake is rich in both natural and cultural history. Desert mountain ranges and millions of years of geologic history surround the lake, situated in the southern Rio Grande valley. The sedimentary layers of earth surrounding the lake hold tangible evidence of ancient life in the form of plant fossils and faunal remains. Evidence for people living in the area goes back thousands of years. 

Caballo Lake State park offers a visitor center, camping, allows horseback riding, showers, group shelters, electric hook ups, restrooms, dump stations, boating/boat ramps, fishing, playground, trails, and R.V. pull through sites. Caballo Lake State Park is open all year, with the exception of those areas which are seasonally closed, or those areas or facilities which are closed temporarily for maintenance or safety purposes. The office is generally open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/caballolakestatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Caballo Lake State Park

Percha Diversion Dam and Canal system, Rio Grande Project, are on the Rio
Grande, 2 miles downstream from Caballo Dam. It diverts water into the Rincon
Valley Main Canal. The dam was completed in 1918. Percha Diversion Dam is an
integral feature of the Rio Grande Project, an early Reclamation irrigation
project authorized in 1905. The Dam is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. A small visitor center operated by New Mexico State Parks is
open seasonally. Recreation at Percha is managed for Reclamation by the New
Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation (505) 476-3355 or 1-888-NMPARKS
(667-2757) The park is open year-round and fees are charged. There are 29
developed campsites, restrooms, showers, and a playground for the children. It
is shaded by cottonwoods and there is plenty of grass for your enjoyment!

Percha Diversion Dam and Canal system, <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Rio+Grande+Project" rel="nofollow">Rio Grande Project</a>, are on the Rio Grande, 2 miles downstream from Caballo Dam. It diverts water into the Rincon Valley Main Canal. The dam was completed in 1918. Percha Diversion Dam is an integral feature of the Rio Grande Project, an early Reclamation irrigation project authorized in 1905. The Dam is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A small visitor center operated by New Mexico State Parks is open seasonally. Recreation at Percha is managed for Reclamation by the New Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation (505) 476-3355 or 1-888-NMPARKS
(667-2757) The park is open year-round and fees are charged. There are 29 developed campsites, restrooms, showers, and a playground for the children. It is shaded by cottonwoods and there is plenty of grass for your enjoyment!

Bird's eye view of the park

Percha Diversion Dam

Percha Dam State Park is located just south of Caballo Lake State Park on the
Rio Grande. Percha Dam is a diversion structure and is one of six on the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation’s Rio Grande Project and is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Percha Diversion Dam was completed in 1918. The
dam diverts water into the 27.1-mile-long Rincon Valley Main Canal which
irrigates lands in the Rincon Valley between Truth or Consequences and Las
Cruces.  
  
Percha Dam State Park offers a group picnic shelter, 50 developed campsites
(30 with electrical hookups), a playground, restrooms and showers. Activities
available include swimming, fishing, picnicking, wildlife and bird watching
and exploring the interpretive exhibits on the property. This quiet park along
the Rio Grande is shaded by tall cottonwoods.  
  
Fees: Day-use: $5 per vehicle; Pedestrians and bicyclists get in free.
Camping: Primitive sites: $8 per site per night. Developed sites: $10 per site
per night. Developed site with either electric or sewer: $14 per site per
night. Developed site with both electric and sewer: $18 per site per night.
Water hookups aren't always available but when they are, they're free. The
park gate is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Percha Dam State Park is located just south of Caballo Lake State Park on the Rio Grande. Percha Dam is a diversion structure and is one of six on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Rio Grande Project and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Percha Diversion Dam was completed in 1918. The dam diverts water into the 27.1-mile-long Rincon Valley Main Canal which irrigates lands in the Rincon Valley between Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces. 

Percha Dam State Park offers a group picnic shelter, 50 developed campsites (30 with electrical hookups), a playground, restrooms and showers. Activities available include swimming, fishing, picnicking, wildlife and bird watching and exploring the interpretive exhibits on the property. This quiet park along the Rio Grande is shaded by tall cottonwoods. 

Fees: Day-use: $5 per vehicle; Pedestrians and bicyclists get in free. Camping: Primitive sites: $8 per site per night. Developed sites: $10 per site per night. Developed site with either electric or sewer: $14 per site per night. Developed site with both electric and sewer: $18 per site per night. Water hookups aren't always available but when they are, they're free. The park gate is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/perchadamstatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Percha Dam State Park

Elephant Butte Dam and Reservoir are features of the Rio Grande Project,
located located on the Rio Grande, 125 miles north of El Paso, Texas.
Recreation at Elephant Butte Reservoir is managed by the New Mexico State
Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The recreation area is
open year-round. Elephant Butte Dam, constructed between 1911 and 1916, was a
major engineering feat in its day and created the 36,000-acre reservoir on the
Rio Grande, that is 40 miles long with more than 200 miles of shoreline. The
enormous concrete dam is the major feature of the Elephant Butte National
Register Historic District. New Mexico State Parks operates a visitor center
that contains information on the construction of the dam. Best fishing is late
April through August. Entry fees are charged. There are good access roads.
Nearest full-service community is Truth or Consequences, 7 miles south. The
smaller town of Elephant Butte is located adjacent to the State Park. Elephant
Butte Reservoir is the largest reservoir and the largest state park in New
Mexico. Fishing opportunities include stripped bass, white bass, crappie,
largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Over 200 camping and picnicking sites.
There are 3 developed camps on the lake, concession-operated marinas, and
stores.

<a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Elephant+Butte+Dam" rel="nofollow">Elephant Butte Dam</a> and Reservoir are features of the Rio Grande Project, located located on the Rio Grande, 125 miles north of El Paso, Texas. Recreation at Elephant Butte Reservoir is managed by the New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The recreation area is open year-round. Elephant Butte Dam, constructed between 1911 and 1916, was a major engineering feat in its day and created the 36,000-acre reservoir on the Rio Grande, that is 40 miles long with more than 200 miles of shoreline. The enormous concrete dam is the major feature of the Elephant Butte National Register Historic District. New Mexico State Parks operates a visitor center that contains information on the construction of the dam. Best fishing is late April through August. Entry fees are charged. There are good access roads. Nearest full-service community is Truth or Consequences, 7 miles south. The smaller town of Elephant Butte is located adjacent to the State Park. Elephant Butte Reservoir is the largest reservoir and the largest state park in New Mexico. Fishing opportunities include stripped bass, white bass, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Over 200 camping and picnicking sites. There are 3 developed camps on the lake, concession-operated marinas, and stores.

Thanksgiving Hall on the Grand Avenue Tour.

Two visitors admiring the large trunk passage way in Thanksgiving Hall on the Grand Avenue tour.

The Frozen Niagara formation on the Grand Avenue tour.

Peering down a deep crevice to the Hippodrome on the Grand Avenue Tour.

A ranger walking through the Rocky Mountains on the Grand Avenue tour.

A ranger walking through the Rocky Mountains on the Grand Avenue tour

Make your way through Boone Ave, a winding slot canyon underground

A winding sidewalk through a slot canyon in the cave

Aero Bridge, the second of 3 underground hills you have to climb

Large pile of cave break down with a sidewalk switch backing up

Walk along Cleaveland Ave for the first mile of your trip

Tube like passageway with a dirt path leading though

Finish your 4 mile adventure with cave formations

Large flowstone formation, Frozen Niagara

Big Break, the last of 3 underground hills you have to climb

Large pile of cave break down with a sidewalk switch backing up.

Take a journey through wide open passageways on Grand Ave.

Large open cave passage with a concrete sidewalk in the middle

Use Carmichael Entrance to access the cave

Concrete structure with metal doors leading into a man made cave entrance

Wet sidewalk in a slot canyon passageway in the cave

Mt McKinley, the first of 3 underground hills you have to climb

Large pile of cave break down with a sidewalk switchbacking up

Elephant Butte Reservoir

Elephant Butte is a reservoir on the Rio Grande that was built by the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation in 1916. There are historic structures at Damsite that
can be visited. The reservoir was a project to provide power and irrigation to
south-central New Mexico, and west Texas. This is the largest reservoir in New
Mexico. The name "Elephant Butte" was given due to a butte that has the shape
of an elephant. This is one of the few lakes in New Mexico that host White
Pelican Colonies. In June 2014, the skulls and tusks of a three million year
old Stegomastodon was found by park visitors and was excavated by The Museum
of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque and State Parks. It eventually
will be on display at the Museum.  
Fishing is a popular recreational activity on the reservoir, which contains
striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.  
  
If you like camping and boating then Elephant Butte lake is for you. There is
plenty of water and plenty of beach room. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate
watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats,
ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat
safe and boat smart! Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers campgrounds,
restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and
water hook-ups for RV's.  
  
Park Elevation 4,527 ft  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Elephant Butte is a reservoir on the Rio Grande that was built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1916. There are historic structures at Damsite that can be visited. The reservoir was a project to provide power and irrigation to south-central New Mexico, and west Texas. This is the largest reservoir in New Mexico. The name "Elephant Butte" was given due to a butte that has the shape of an elephant. This is one of the few lakes in New Mexico that host White Pelican Colonies. In June 2014, the skulls and tusks of a three million year old Stegomastodon was found by park visitors and was excavated by The Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque and State Parks. It eventually will be on display at the Museum. 

Fishing is a popular recreational activity on the reservoir, which contains striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. 

If you like camping and boating then Elephant Butte lake is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room. Elephant Butte Lake can accommodate watercraft of many styles and sizes: kayaks, jet skis, pontoons, sailboats, ski boats, cruisers, and houseboats. Remember to wear your life jacket. Boat safe and boat smart! Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV's. 

 Park Elevation 4,527 ft 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/elephantbuttelakestatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Lake Valley Backcountry Byway

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Caballo Reservoir

Caballo Lake State Park

Percha Diversion Dam

Percha Dam State Park

Elephant Butte Reservoir

Elephant Butte Lake State Park