Interpretive Zone 1: Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway, New Mexico

INTERPRETIVE ZONE 1 (SOUTH) is where the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway begins and ends. This Zone is set inside the Rio Grande valley, which has for centuries been an agricultural and transportation corridor along the Rio Grande River - the fourth longest river in the world. The non-urban roads in this Zone are state-maintained highways with two 12-foot-wide paved driving lanes and intermittent shoulders. Safety conditions are good for the posted speed limits. The adventure starts at the Geronimo Springs Museum on Main Street in the city of Truth or Consequences (T or C). Plan to spend some time there acquainting yourself with the area, taking in its collections of area relics, murals and bronzes, exhibits from army forts and mining camps, and its world-class collection of Mimbres pottery and other Indian artifacts. A book store and gift shop are also on site for your continuing education and pleasure. After leaving the museum, you will proceed through a clean urban landscape to the sister city of Truth or Consequences, Williamsburg. After passing through the communities of Los Palomas and Caballo, you may choose to take side trips to Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Parks, or proceed into Interpretive Zone 2. The northern portion of Interpretive Zone 1 is joined near the end of the Byway. The area of Truth or Consequences and Williamsburg was first settled for its hot mineral springs. Today, in addition to the hot springs, these towns offer a three-mile-long full service stop for vacationers and residents. At the far end of Williamsburg, you'll turn southbound onto two-lane Highway 187 and follow the Rio Grande past Las Palomas and toward the Caballo Mountains. At the foot of these mountains lies the small community of Caballo, which was relocated in the late 1930s to its present location from what is now the watery depths of Caballo Lake. Before continuing into Interpretive Zone 2, you may wish to take advantage of the recreational and leisure opportunities offered at Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Parks, which range from boating and fishing to camping and hiking.
	Please note that there is no gasoline available on the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway west of Truth or Consequences / Williamsburg and Elephant Butte. This is the majority of the Trail, which runs through some very remote countryside. Fill your tank before you leave! Gasoline is available on Side Trip 5; or, if you choose to follow the Alternate Loop, gas is available at Silver City. Please also note that bridges between Caballo and Hillsboro bear twelve-foot, six-inch height restrictions; and the Forest Service advises not only that trailers over twenty feet are unsafe on Forest Development Road 150, but that low-clearance / non-four-wheel-drive vehicles travel that section of the Trail at their own risk.
Next stop on the E-Tour: the city of Truth or Consequences...
	Enjoy the nature, history, and culture of southwest New Mexico - but don't disturb the natural, historical, and cultural sites. Do not remove, destroy, or deface anything on any site; strict laws protect artifacts on State, Federal, Indian, and private lands. Buying, selling, trading, or transporting these stolen items is also illegal. Please report looting and vandalism to federal land management authorities or the local sheriff. Hide all traces of your travels as the Apache hid their passing so these wildlands may remain unspoiled, the historical sites may remain true to their history, and the developed sites may remain clean and pleasant. Thank you.