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The Atlas/New Mexico/Sunspot Scenic Byway (NM-6563)

Sunspot Scenic Byway (NM-6563)

14 mi
Length
1
Verified stops
9,590 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

NM-6563, designated a National Forest Scenic Byway in 1990, runs 15.5 miles south from NM-130 near Cloudcroft to the National Solar Observatory at Sunspot. The highway number derives from the wavelength of the hydrogen-alpha spectral line (6563 angstroms) used by observatory scientists to study the sun. The road traces the escarpment rim of the Sacramento Mountains with consistent west-facing views plunging nearly 5,000 feet to the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park. Planet-named signs placed at 1:250 million scale mark the distance between planets along the route. The pavement is in excellent condition with tight curves and minimal traffic year-round.

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Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

Mile 0.0

Sunspot

Small astronomy community at the southern end of the byway, home to the National Solar Observatory and the starting point for the scenic mountain drive.

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// Nearby & related
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5.9/10
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