Day Trippers

LINCOLN LOOP (Old West Tour) 5 to 7 hours

Spend your day reliving the lives of “Gunslinger” Billy the Kid, “Sheriff” Pat Garrett, “Governor” Lew Wallace, John Tunstall and Lincoln’s toughest woman “Susan McSween”. Walk where they walked and see how they lived during those tumultuous times as New Mexico struggled to find the peace and prosperity it enjoys today.

Before hitting the road enjoy one of Ruidoso’s best breakfasts and eat where the locals eat. (Recommendations: Lincoln County Grill, Pina’s, or Chef Lupe’s all located on Sudderth Drive) then head east on Sudderth which connects with Hwy 70 east.
TIP: There are no services in Lincoln or White Oaks so gas up in Ruidoso

The journey starts here:

	Destination 1 “Old Town Lincoln” A National Historic site Follow Hwy 70 East for about 25 minutes to the Lincoln Town turn off where you will take a left onto Hwy 380. During the short 5-minute drive on 380 into Lincoln you will feel yourself traveling back in time to 1878 where the legend of “Billy the Kid” was born. As you enter the town of Lincoln you will be driving on what was known as “The deadliest street in the U.S.”. During the Lincoln County wars Lawmen and Desperados alike were gunned down on this street with regularity. You will see the Visitor Center just ahead. Park there and let the folks at the Interpretive Center and gift shop set the stage for your “Old West” experience. Lincoln is comprised of several museums that you will want to explore. The Doctor's office, Tunstall’s store and the Torreon are just a few that have been preserved to give you a taste of the day to day life Lincoln’s residents lived in the infamous days of the American Southwest. TIP: Save the courthouse for last. It is located at the end of the street and is the scene of “Billy’s” last escape. You will see the markers where Sheriff Garrett’s two deputies were gunned down by “The Kid” as he made good his bid for freedom. TIP: Bathrooms are located in the Visitor center and behind the Couthouse
			Old Ruins in Lincoln, New Mexico
			Quaint Gift Shop in Lincoln, New Mexico

	Desination 2 “White Oaks” Continue through Lincoln on 380 West to Carrizozo, then North on Hwy 54 for three miles to the White Oaks billboard and turnoff (Hwy 349). You will find yourself in what was once a gold mining “boomtown” and Lincoln’s county seat. This is where Pat Garrett had gone to purchase lumber to build the gallows for Billy’s “neck tie party” when “The Kid” blasted his way into infamy and a date with destiny at a boarding house in Ft. Sumner. White Oaks is now a burgeoning Artist’s community filled with historic old buildings converted into studios and is home to the White Oaks 12th Artists Studio Tour in April 2005. For more information visit: http://www.whiteoaksnewmexico.com/ Before leaving town stop by the old cemetery and look for a name or two you may recognize including that of Cattle Woman and Lincoln County War survivor Susan McSween.
			The Old Schoolhouse White Oaks, New Mexico

	Destination 3 “Carrizozo” TIP: Full services available Hungry yet? Head back on Hwy 54 to the friendly town of Carrizozo where you will find “Carrizozo Joes” and his famous deli sandwiches, iced coffees and fruit smoothies or for the best Green Chili Burger this side of the Sierras drop by the Outpost. There are other fine restaurants worth checking out as well. Carrizozo has a growing artist’s community and a local history museum that is worth a look while in town.
			Surrounding Scenery of Carrizozo

	Destination 4 “Capitan” TIP: Full services available Still hungry? Traveling East on 380 you will find Capitan where the Smoky Bear diner serves up good old fashioned meals. You will find several other fine restaurants to enjoy as well. As a surprise for the kids, Capitan is the home of Smokey Bear! Smokey has his own museum filled with lots of cool stuff that Grandma will remember from when she was a girl. There is also a botanical garden located at the museum featuring many unique native New Mexican plants. It’s all good fun if you have a little extra time while on your “Gunslinger’s tour”.
			Smokey Bear Gift Shop Capitan, New Mexico

	Destination 5 “Fort Stanton” TIP: No Services Leaving Capitan on route 220, which intersects with the main road through Capitan, a short drive will bring you to the last stop on our adventure. Fort Stanton is one of America's most significant Historical sites that has seen the likes of Billy the Kid, Governor Lew Wallace, Black Jack Pershing and Kit Carson share in its past. Built in 1855 to defend Spanish settlers against raiding Apaches, it later housed the famous Buffalo Soldiers, a formidable fighting force comprised of slaves who were freed after the Civil War. During WWII it became an interment camp for German prisoners and a venue for the Japanese relocation program. Heading home Now just follow Route 220 from the Fort to Hwy 48, make a left-hand turn and in a few minutes you will be back in Ruidoso. View from route 220 of the Surrounding Mountains
			Fort Stanton Grounds near the Fort Stanton Museum
			Annual Event: Fort Stanton Live! Mescalero Tribe Ceremonial Dance

by Chuck Duncan

Map of Lincoln Loop Day Trip #1
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