There are places in New Mexico where time doesn’t slow down so much as wander off. The Black Range is one of them—a wrinkle of mountains whose name suggests something ominous but delivers something quieter, more reflective. It’s the kind of region where a highway might forget where it was going and dissolve into gravel, where post offices share walls with history museums and where conversations begin mid-thought.
In towns like Hillsboro or Monticello, there’s a sense that the frontier spirit never left—just got better at minding its business. You’ll meet people who moved here “for a few months” 15 years ago. Others inherited adobe ruins from an aunt with questionable handwriting and stayed for the light. This is not the kind of place that invites reinvention. It prefers you arrive as you are and sit with that for a while.
The Black Range isn’t just secluded; it’s selectively visible. Blink and you’ll miss Chloride entirely. Lake Valley is a ghost town curated with the meticulousness of a library archive. And Kingston? It’s halfway up a mountain, full of stories, and politely disinterested in your cell service.
So here are 10 of the most secluded towns in New Mexico’s Black Range—not in the sense of being hidden, but in the sense of being content to remain undisturbed. They offer quiet, yes, but not silence. The kind of quiet that lets you listen to your thoughts… and maybe decide which ones to keep.
10. Emory Pass Village: Seclusion at High Elevation
Emory Pass Village is a tiny hamlet perched high in the Black Range, with an approximate population of just a handful of residents. This high-elevation community offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a haven for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.
The area is known for its stunning vistas, especially from the nearby Emory Pass lookout, which provides panoramic views of the rugged landscape. With no major industries, the village thrives on tourism and the love of nature, attracting those who wish to disconnect from the modern world.
Its secluded location, enveloped by dense forests and winding mountain roads, ensures a peaceful environment far removed from city life.
Where is Emory Pass Village?
Emory Pass Village is located along State Highway 152 in the heart of the Black Range of southwestern New Mexico. The village sits near the crest of Emory Pass, one of the highest points accessible by road in the state, reaching elevations of over 8,000 feet.
Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding Gila National Forest, which acts as a natural barrier from urban areas. Access to the village is via a scenic but winding route, making the journey part of the experience.
The nearest towns are Kingston and Hillsboro, but major cities are hours away, emphasizing the village’s remote and tranquil setting.
9. Cuchillo: Quiet Streets and Historical Charm
Cuchillo is a small, unincorporated community with an estimated population of around 35 people. Steeped in history, the town features historic adobe buildings and old wooden structures that tell tales of its past as a stagecoach stop and trading post.
Visitors can explore the Cuchillo Bar and Store, a landmark that has stood for over a century. The main industry in Cuchillo has historically been ranching, but today it’s a quiet place with minimal commercial activity.
What makes Cuchillo secluded is its sparse population and the sense of stepping back in time, with quiet streets and a peaceful atmosphere that is untouched by modern development.
Where is Cuchillo?
Cuchillo is located in Sierra County, about 12 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Nestled just off Highway 52, the town is surrounded by open rangeland and desert scenery.
Its seclusion comes from its distance from larger towns and the minimal traffic passing through. To get there, visitors travel along lesser-known highways that wind through the expansive New Mexican landscape, emphasizing the remoteness and tranquility of Cuchillo.
The town’s location away from major thoroughfares ensures a quiet environment where one can truly escape the noise of everyday life.
8. Lake Valley: An Abandoned Town Frozen in Time
Lake Valley is a ghost town with no permanent residents, offering a quiet solitude unlike any other. Once a bustling mining town in the late 1800s, it is now maintained by the Bureau of Land Management as a historic site.
Visitors can take self-guided tours to explore the remnants of old buildings, including the chapel and schoolhouse. There are no industries here, as the silver mines have long ceased operation.
The seclusion of Lake Valley is palpable; the absence of residents and the vast surrounding desert create a peaceful, almost eerie silence that envelops the town.
Where is Lake Valley?
Situated off State Highway 27, Lake Valley lies approximately 25 miles south of Hillsboro. The town’s remote location amid the desert plains contributes to its secluded nature. The lack of nearby settlements and the minimal traffic on the surrounding roads make it a quiet spot rarely disturbed by visitors.
Accessing Lake Valley involves a drive through open country, reinforcing the feeling of stepping away from the modern world. Its isolation provides a unique opportunity to reflect on history and enjoy the serenity of the New Mexican landscape.
7. San Lorenzo: A Tranquil Valley Escape
San Lorenzo is a small village with a population of about 100 residents, nestled in the lush Mimbres Valley. Known for its agricultural roots, the town is surrounded by fertile lands where farming remains a key part of daily life.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing in the Mimbres River, hiking in the nearby Gila National Forest, and exploring petroglyphs at the nearby Dragonfly Trail. San Lorenzo’s seclusion is due to its valley location, enveloped by rolling hills and far from bustling urban centers, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.
Where is San Lorenzo?
Located in Grant County, San Lorenzo sits along State Highway 35, north of the town of Bayard. Its position in the Mimbres Valley, surrounded by mountains and forested areas, adds to its sense of privacy and isolation.
The community is off the beaten path, with the closest significant town, Silver City, about 30 miles away. Travelers can reach San Lorenzo by driving through scenic routes that wind through the Black Range, enhancing the feeling of venturing into a secluded haven.
The natural barriers and limited access routes contribute to the town’s tranquil and undisturbed ambiance.
6. Monticello: Historic Quietude Off the Beaten Path
Monticello is a tiny, historic village with an estimated population of around 30 people. Founded in the 1850s, it retains much of its original charm, with adobe homes and the historic San Ignacio Catholic Church.
The town is surrounded by rolling hills and agricultural fields, where small-scale farming and ranching are common. Monticello’s seclusion stems from its hidden location and minimal development, offering a quiet life away from the pressures of modern society.
The absence of commercial industries preserves the village’s peaceful atmosphere and historical character.
Where is Monticello?
Monticello is located in Sierra County, northwest of Truth or Consequences, accessible via State Highway 142. The village is tucked away in a picturesque valley, which adds to its hidden quality.
Its remote position, away from major highways and urban centers, means it receives few visitors, enhancing its secluded nature. To reach Monticello, one must navigate rural roads that traverse the serene New Mexican countryside.
The journey reinforces the village’s status as a quiet retreat, secluded amid the landscape of the Black Range.
5. Winston: Rural Peace in the Heart of New Mexico
Winston is a small community with a population of around 60 residents. Known for its proximity to recreational areas like the Gila National Forest and the Fairchild Ghost Town, it’s a haven for hunters, hikers, and those seeking solitude.
The local economy revolves around ranching and serving the needs of travelers seeking outdoor adventures. Winston’s seclusion is characterized by its sparse population and the vast open spaces that surround it, providing an uninterrupted connection to nature and a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Where is Winston?
Situated along State Highway 52 in Sierra County, Winston lies about 35 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. The town is enveloped by expansive rangelands and mountain backdrops, enhancing its remote feel.
Accessing Winston involves driving through scenic but less-traveled roads, which contributes to its tranquility. The lack of nearby urban centers and the open landscape make it an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of New Mexico’s countryside.
4. Mimbres: Serenity Along the Riverbanks
Mimbres is a small, unincorporated community with a population of approximately 600 people, spread out over the valley area. The town is named after the Mimbres River, which provides a lush environment in contrast to the surrounding arid regions.
Residents and visitors enjoy activities like fishing, bird watching, and exploring archaeological sites linked to the ancient Mimbres culture. The main industries revolve around agriculture and tourism.
Mimbres’ seclusion is due to its expansive landscapes and the privacy afforded by its rural setting, offering a serene lifestyle along the riverbanks.
Where is Mimbres?
Located in Grant County, Mimbres is accessible via State Highway 35, northeast of Silver City. The community lies within the picturesque Mimbres Valley, bordered by the Black Range to the east. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding Gila National Forest, which acts as a natural buffer from urban areas.
Getting to Mimbres involves traveling through winding roads that meander alongside the river and through forested areas, emphasizing its tranquil and secluded nature.
3. Chloride: A Quiet Remnant of the Old West
Chloride is a former mining town with a permanent population of about 11 residents. Rich in history, it offers a glimpse into the past with restored buildings like the Pioneer Store Museum, which showcases artifacts from the town’s heyday.
Visitors can explore abandoned mines, hiking trails, and enjoy the peace of this nearly deserted locale. The main industry was once silver mining, but today, tourism keeps the town alive.
Chloride’s seclusion comes from its tucked-away location and the limited number of residents, providing an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
Where is Chloride?
Chloride is located in Sierra County, along Forest Road 226 off State Highway 52, about 40 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. Nestled at the edge of the Gila National Forest, the town is surrounded by rugged terrain and forested hills.
Its remote setting is accessible via a narrow road that winds through scenic landscapes, reinforcing its hidden nature. The isolation is part of Chloride’s charm, offering a retreat for those seeking to step back into history and enjoy the solitude of the New Mexican wilderness.
2. Hillsboro: Artistic Seclusion Amidst Nature
Hillsboro is a quaint village with an estimated population of around 120 people. Founded during the gold rush in the late 1800s, it now boasts a vibrant artist community, with several galleries and studios.
Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy local eateries, and participate in annual events like the Hillsboro Apple Festival. While mining was once the main industry, today, tourism and the arts play significant roles.
Hillsboro’s seclusion is amplified by its location between mountain ranges, offering an artistic retreat far from city crowds.
Where is Hillsboro?
Located in Sierra County along State Highway 152, Hillsboro sits between the Black Range and the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains. Its position away from major highways and urban centers provides a peaceful environment.
The town is about 17 miles west of Caballo and approximately 30 miles southwest of Truth or Consequences. Access entails a scenic drive through mountainous terrain, which separates Hillsboro from busier areas and enhances its quiet, secluded atmosphere.
1. Kingston: A Hidden Gem of the Black Range
Kingston is a historic town with a population of roughly 30 residents. Once a booming silver mining town, it was one of the largest cities in the New Mexico Territory during the 1880s. Today, it offers a tranquil setting with well-preserved historic buildings, including the Percha Bank Museum and old homesteads.
Outdoor activities abound, with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the natural beauty of the Black Range. There are no major industries, but a few bed-and-breakfasts cater to visitors seeking a quiet getaway.
Kingston’s seclusion is due to its deep mountain location and minimal development, providing a serene escape filled with history and nature.
Where is Kingston?
Kingston is located along State Highway 152 in the foothills of the Black Range, just east of Emory Pass. The town is about 9 miles west of Hillsboro and surrounded by the Gila National Forest.
Its elevation and mountainous surroundings contribute to its isolated feel. Access to Kingston involves navigating winding mountain roads that offer stunning views but also discourage heavy traffic.
The town’s remote location, high in the Black Range, ensures a peaceful environment, making it a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
