Hillsboro is a small unincorporated community in Sierra County in south-central New Mexico, founded in 1877 after gold was discovered in the nearby Black Range. Once the Sierra County seat, it retains its historic mining-town character with adobe-lined streets, ranchers, and artists.
Hillsboro sits at an elevation of 5,364 feet along Percha Creek in the foothills of the Black Range. The community was founded in 1877 following the discovery of gold and served as Sierra County seat from 1884 to 1936. Its 2020 census population was 140.
Explore the Lake Valley Historic Townsite trail and fish the Rio Las Animas. Camp at Kingston Campground or Iron Creek Campground. Attend community events such as Pickamania! and Christmas in the Foothills at the Hillsboro Community Center or Black Range Lodge.
The historic Hillsboro General Store serves breakfast and lunch with traditional American fare alongside southwestern New Mexico cuisine and home-baked goods.
Hillsboro lies along New Mexico State Road 152 in the Black Range foothills, roughly midway between Truth or Consequences and Silver City.
Stay at Black Range Lodge or camp at Kingston Campground and Iron Creek Campground.
Hillsboro preserves its mining heritage through historic buildings and the Hillsboro Historical Society. Respect private property and posted historic sites.
The 2020 census recorded 140 residents.
Hillsboro was founded in 1877 after gold was discovered in the Black Range.
Hillsboro sits at 5,364 feet.
Yes, visitors can camp at Kingston and Iron Creek Campgrounds, fish the Rio Las Animas, and hike the Lake Valley Historic Townsite trail.
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Kingston Campground is a small campground in south-central New Mexico along NM Highway 152, near Middle Percha Creek on the eastern edge of the historic village of Kingston. Sites are first-come, first-served. Photography is permitted. Site count, amenities, and seasonal dates are not specified; contact the managing agency for current conditions.
Iron Creek Campground in southwestern New Mexico sits in the Black Range Mountains off NM Highway 152, between San Lorenzo and Hillsboro, with scenic sites along a winding mountain road. Sites are first-come, first-served. Photography is permitted. Site count, amenities, and seasonal dates are not specified; contact the managing agency for current conditions.
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Spring and fall offer mild high-desert weather ideal for exploring trails and historic sites. Local events like Christmas in the Foothills draw visitors in December.
Rio Las Animas in southwestern New Mexico, within the Gila National Forest's Black Range District, carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile) protecting Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The reach is catch-and-release only; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Black Range Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
A preserved silver-mining ghost town in Sierra County, located on BLM-managed public lands west of Caballo Lake in south-central New Mexico. Founded in 1878 after silver discovery, Lake Valley grew to about 4,000 residents at its peak (1881-1893) before mining depleted. Today the historic townsite features restored BLM structures including the schoolhouse and chapel, with other buildings stabilized against deterioration. A self-guided interpretive walking tour provides visitor access. The site is open Thursday-Monday, 9am-4pm; closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Water and restroom facilities available.
Game Management Unit 21B spans the Black Range mountains and valleys to the desert floor in Sierra County, southwestern New Mexico, from roughly 4,000 to 7,800 feet; flat creosote hills rise to mesquite and juniper, with ponderosa pine in the canyon bottoms and at the high peaks. Huntable species include mule deer, Coues deer, elk, pronghorn, javelina, cougar, and black bear under NMDGF zone- and species-specific seasons. About 62% of the unit is public land, with BLM and state trust parcels reached via Black Range Highway 152 and connected dirt roads and trailheads. A valid New Mexico hunting license is required. Confirm current dates, hunt codes, and draw status with NMDGF.