Sunspot Scenic Byway

Overview

This byway offers glimpses of dunes, deserts, and sprawling mountain beyond as it travels through deep dark woodlands. But it is best known for its connections to galaxies, nebulae, and solar systems. Two national telescope observatories, at the byway’s terminus, offer tours and exhibits to the public from its 9.200-foot elevation and a place for scientists to gather and do research. This byway is officially designated as N.M. 6563- the light wavelength in Angstroms used by scientists to locate active areas on the Sun! The road winds along the Sacramento Mountains and lookouts provide views of the landscape some 5,000 feet below.