Sunspot is in south-central New Mexico approximately 85 miles east of Las Cruces. It travels across Lincoln National Forest between Cloudcroft and the Sunspot Solar Observatory. The byway follows NM 6563, which is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles, for a total of 14 miles. New Mexico Highway 6563 is normally open all year.
The Sunspot scenic byway travels along the front rim of the Sacramento Mountains through a mixed forest of Douglas-fir, white fir, Southwestern white pine, ponderosa pine, and aspen. Mule deer, black bears, elk, and the occasional eagle and spotted owl can be seen from the byway. Turnouts along the route provide spectacular views of Tularosa Basin and the shifting sand dunes of nearby White Sands National Monument. On a clear day you can see the space port for the landing of the space shuttle. In fall, the aspen and maple-covered canyons and hillsides to the west of the byway display brilliant colors of yellow, orange, and red.
At the byway’s southern end is the Sunspot Solar Observatory. There are two research facilities open to the public, Vacuum Tower Telescope and the John W. Evans Solar Facility. Vacuum Tower Telescope is the largest of the telescopes located here. Over 200 feet of this telescope is buried beneath the surface of Sacramento Peak. The John W. Evans Solar Facility is used for studying the sun’s surface.
There are several scenic turnouts that not only provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, but also opportunities for taking a break and enjoying a picnic. Those that enjoy hiking will find 13 miles of the Rim National Recreation Trail running alongside the byway. Many side roads off the byway also invite exploration by the hiker or mountain biker.
Several national forest campgrounds are along or near the byway. They have campsites suitable for RV and tent campers but there are no hookups. All of the campsites have picnic tables and fire rings; some campgrounds have drinking water and restrooms.