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New Mexico Jewel continued
• Take the route that heads southeast
from the trailhead, and you’ll find
the East Mesa trail. This trail connects
with a network of trails leading up to
the ridgeline. These trails, including
the Cedar Ridge and East Well trails,
are challenging. From here, you can
access USFS land.
• Farther south, the East Mesa trail
connects with the Fort Stanton South
trail. You can take a second network
of ridge trails to the south or follow
the Fort Stanton trail around the fort
and back north again to the trailhead.
• The trails to the north and west of
the trailhead offer the most variety
in terms of short-but-challenging
loops. These loops vary in distance
from just a few miles to more than 30
miles along the northwest boundary
around and past Fort Stanton.
Camping is primitive; you can set
up camp anywhere on the property as
long as you’re 100 feet from a road.
You can stay for up to 14 days. There
are restrooms and water at the trailhead,
where camping is also permitted.
Best of all, the experience is free! There
are no fees for riding and camping at
the Fort Stanton ACEC. USR
For more information about the Fort
Stanton ACEC, contact the BLM Pecos
District Roswell Field Office, (505) 627-
0272; www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/
roswell/fort_stanton_acec.htm.
Lifelong horse enthusiast Jennifer Nice
of Weatherford, Texas, left the show ring
for the open trails 20 years ago and has
never looked back. An avid endurance
competitor, she’s logged 6,000 American
Endurance Ride Conference miles
to date. She’s an award-winning equine
journalist with 25 years of experience.
USRider ® Equestrian Motor Plan
Hitch Up! Magazine • Fall 2008
fort stanton Day trips
If you plan on spending a few days riding the trails at the Fort Stanton
ACEC, consider taking side trips to the following points of interest.
fort stanton Museum and Visitors center
Just one mile south of the park, this quaint museum offers a glimpse
into the lives of the soldiers that were stationed here. Photographs and
artifacts bring the fort to life.
contact: (505) 378-4142; www.fortstanton.com
fort stanton cave
Located at the Fort Stanton ACEC, this cave is open to visitors from April
15 to November 1. Obtain a permit from the BLM Pecos District office.
Volunteer guides are provided.
contact: Roswell Field Office, (505) 627-0272;
www.nm.blm.gov/recreation/roswell/fort_stanton_acec.htm
Historic Lincoln
From the park, go seven miles east on Highway 380 to the historic town
of Lincoln. Tour four museums and relive the life of Billy the Kid and the
turmoil of the Lincoln County War.
contact: www.nmmonuments.org
smokey bear Historical park
From the park, go four miles west on Highway 380 to Capitan to view this
tribute to the endearing symbol of the United States Forest Service.
contact: (505) 354-2748; www.emnrd.state.nm.us/fd/SmokeyBear/
SmokeyBearPark.htm
Lincoln county overland stage company
Just one mile east of the park on Highway 380, you can learn area history
while taking a trip aboard a replica of an Abbot and Downing Concord
Stagecoach.
contact: (505) 653-4954;
http://rednecksinger.com/stagecoach/rides.php
Hubbard Museum of the american west
Take time to drive 25 miles south of the park to this museum in Ruidoso
Downs. Previously known as the Hubbard Museum of the Horse, it’s a
must-see for horse enthusiasts and Western-history buffs of all ages.
contact: (505) 378-4142; www.hubbardmuseum.org
billy the Kid national scenic byway center
Also in Ruidoso Downs, this center is a great starting point if you’re interested
in driving an 84-mile scenic byway to explore the area further.
contact: (505) 378-5318; www.billybyway.com
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