The Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway
Folsom to Toll Gate Canyon

The Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway is a scenic back road in northeastern New Mexico that traverses high mesas and wide canyons, along the way showcasing a lot of what makes New Mexico the Land of Enchantment. In driving this scenic byway myself, I was surprised at the diversity of landscapes that I passed through (and I've only driven about 3/4 of the byway).

To continue on the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway from Folsom, head northeast on NM 456. The road travels down into a canyon where more of the lava flows and palisades are on display. Only a couple of miles out of Folsom, you'll come to Folsom Falls. If you don't know it's there, you'll probably miss it because I didn't see any signage in the area in regards to the waterfalls. If you do stop here, you're in for quite a treat. If you miss, well... the road heads on into the junction of Toll Gate Canyon with the valley of the Dry Cimarron River. If you want to go visit Branson, Colorado, take the left at the intersection with NM 551. Otherwise, stay right and head down the valley of the Dry Cimarron River. It's almost 60 miles to the next town: Kenton, Oklahoma (remember: I said to make sure you had plenty of gas, Kenton isn't much of a town and it's another 30-some miles beyond that to Boise City where there is gas and food, etc.)