One of New Mexico’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

A once-thriving mining town in the Black Range Mountains, Hillsboro is now nearly a living ghost town with a fascinating history and population. There's no place quite like this quirky town in New Mexico that's a scenic drive away from the city of Truth or Consequences. A place to travel slowly, enjoy the simple things, and appreciate the scenery, Hillsboro is one of the most underrated towns in New Mexico that's worth discovering.

Where Is Hillsboro and Why Is It So Unique

Located at the base of the Black Range Mountains by Percha Creek in Sierra County, just 30 minutes from Truth or Consequences, Hillsboro is one of many gateways to the Gila National Forest. To get here, take Highway 152, the southern portion of the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway, through Emory Pass and Kingston, another former historic mining town.

What makes Hillsboro such a unique small town in New Mexico, aside from its location, is its history and residents. In 1877, two prospectors discovered gold in the area now known as Hillsboro. Like many mining towns in the Old West, this town grew, and by 1880, 400 miners and their families were living and working (and thriving) here. Eventually, adobe houses were built, and four saloons, a post office, and stores opened their doors to patrons, and the town's population had grown to nearly 1,200 by 1907. A county courthouse was even built in 1892, making Hillsboro the county seat. In 1936, the county seat was moved to Truth or Consequences, and the courthouse was sold and dismantled in 1939. Today, only around 150 people live in Hillsboro.

The population of Hillsboro, New Mexico, today is as eclectic as the town itself. It's a mix of ranchers, retirees, and an artistic community with writers, painters, ceramicists, and other artisans. And if you're looking for a slow travel destination with history, scenery, and a walkable downtown, Hillsboro is a wonderful option.

The Quirky Attractions That Define This Unique Small Town in New Mexico

Like many old mining towns, Hillsboro has a few notable and historic attractions that are fascinating relics of the past. Visit the Hillsboro Historical Society - Black Range Museum, housed in the former Ocean Grove Hotel. Here, you'll learn the stories of Hillsboro's ranching and mining history, the natives that once lived in the area, and stories of some of the town's most notable and notorious residents.

The Hillsboro General Store Cafe occupies a historic adobe building, constructed in 1879, that has served numerous purposes over the years, including as a telegraph office, a bank, a stagecoach stop, and a store. Now a local restaurant, any visitor to Hillsboro should stop in for a bite to eat and view remnants of the building's historic past. The cafe serves American and New Mexican cuisine from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday through Monday.

Throughout town, you'll also encounter historic ruins, including those of the old jailhouse, and on the site of where the courthouse once stood before it was dismantled. There's no doubt that Hillsboro is one of the more unusual towns in New Mexico, making it one of many reasons to visit.

Why It’s Still Flying Under the Radar

Unless you're traveling along the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway, you'd probably miss Hillsboro — although driving the scenic route also doesn't guarantee you'll even stop to explore this unincorporated former mining town. Still flying under the radar to many, Hillsboro is often overlooked due to its remote mountain location with no major routes to get here and a lack of tourist-attracting amenities such as name-brand hotels. Tourists will often choose larger towns and cities, such as Truth or Consequences, that offer more amenities for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations and exciting attractions. But for those seeking a slow travel experience in an isolated yet scenic town with a fascinating mining history, Hillsboro should not be overlooked.

Have you visited Hillsboro yet? If not, it's worth a visit along with many other hidden gem towns in New Mexico, including Pie Town, Abiquiú, and Mountainair.