Eighty percent of the American public enjoys auto-touring, as do a significant segment of international tourists visiting the United States.

The TMS National Scenic Byway, long known locally by its nickname, the “Inner Loop,” is located in southwestern New Mexico. The Byway, provides a unique experience for auto-tour enthusiasts offering dramatic views of the first Wilderness designated by the United States, and a chance to explore close up the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

The Byway corridor’s natural and scenic beauty is enhanced by views of old volcanic mountain ranges, opportunities to view wildlife, 337 species of birds, and the presence of seven of the eight distinct ecological zones.

The diversity of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers native to the southwest, as well as the varied wildlife, draws a wide range of visitors to the area. The rivers and hot springs can be seen and easily accessed as one drives the Byway, along with the dramatic geological formations of past volcanic eruptions. Historical and still operational mining areas offer unique opportunities to view open pit and shaft mining for copper, gold, vsilver, lead, and iron.