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Ski Run Road to Windy Point is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the state. Take Mechem Drive, Highway 48, north of Ruidoso to NM 532, Ski Run Road, and turn left. There is a Shell Gas Station at the intersection. Follow the paved road west towards the mountain. Before getting to the actual ski area, look for the Windy Point "pull over" area. It will be on the driver's side of the road about ten miles up Ski Run Road.
Monjeau Lookout Tower: Take Mechem Drive, Highway 48, north of Ruidoso to NM 532, Ski Run Road, and turn left. There is a Shell Gas Station at the intersection. Follow the paved road west towards the mountain about one mile and turn right onto FR 117, the Monjeau Lookout Road. The parking area for the lookout is about five miles from Ski Run Road. The road is not paved and is bumpy, dusty and rocky! Go slow and take your time! Traveling too fast and striking a sharp rock will result in a flat tire. There is a picnic area with restrooms at Monjeau. All are invited to walk up to the lookout tower and enjoy the view.
Bonita Lake: Take Mechem Drive, Highway 48, north of Ruidoso to Highway 37, and turn left. The Bonita Lake Road is very well marked and is only about one mile past Highway 48. Follow the paved road west a few miles to the lake. There are many opportunities to park the car and continue on foot.
Camelot Mountain: Take Highway 70 south of the "Y" to the Old Castle. Turn right onto Camelot Drive and proceed to Crown Drive. Do not go under the Castle. Turn right and simply proceed up Crown Drive. Feel free to turn in at Crown Point Condos and take in the view from both the north and east ends of the complex. Afterwards, continue up Crown Drive to the Tierra del Sol Condos. Be sure to check out the views from both the north and west ends of the complex. Upon leaving the Tierra del Sol parking lot, turn right onto Excalibur to High Sierra Condos. There is a nice view of Lake Mescalero from the parking lot. To start back, either retrace the drive up the mountain or turn right onto Guenevere, right onto Warwick, then left onto Cambridge. As you get towards the bottom of the mountain, turn right under the Castle then down to the highway.
Nogal Canyon: Take Mechem Drive, Highway 48, north of Ruidoso to Highway 37, and turn left. Follow Highway 37 to just before the town of Nogal. The Nogal Canyon Road, FR 400, runs almost parallel with Hwy. 48 so the turn may be hard to find. The town of Nogal is the signal that the turn-in has been missed, so turn around and try again. The Nogal Canyon Road is especially scenic during the fall when the colors are changing.
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