The Lincoln National Forest located in Otero County, southern New Mexico sandwiches the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. This is a portion of New Mexico's high country with peak elevations at 12003-9600ft. I camped at 8900ft near Mayhill off of CR130. The mountainous Lincoln National Forest is pristine and healthy, with beautiful green prairies for grazing, crystal clear rivers and creeks and mountain fresh air. 
I found a spot in the LNF with a fire ring, grassy ground cover, and a thick planted tree line at the base of the forest. Not only do top grade breeding cattle graze up here but there are herds of elk that are embedded into these mountains. The land of enchantment; birds joyously singing, pine-scented wind rustling through the tall trees, grazing cattle giving a moo or two, kickin back, chillin in the high country, in the late afternoon. As the sun went down, so did the temps, fast. That night I should have busted out the "lil Buddy heater" I would have been much more comfortable, it gets darn right cold in the high country. The recorded low temp inside the tent for the night was 42, the day high 96, 50+ temp drop... Yikes!!
The drive getting here is fantastic New Mexico really has a slow pace relaxed feel. The small busy town of Cloudcroft resting at 8690 ft off of I-82 is a picturesque scenic drive that had my head twisting and turning. Heading north on I-54 pointed me through pistachio and wine country with the Sacramento Mountain landscape in my horizon.
Up around Three Rivers is the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. A uncommon fee site run by BLM that offers campsites with hook-ups, full restrooms, great hiking and a self-guided petroglyph tour. The walking tour through the more than 21,400 petroglyphs has you huffing and puffing (high altitude) and going "Holy Heck" when you see the amazing ancient rock art all around you. Peoples thoughts of more than 1000 years ago, these picture writings are a unique visual connection between you the viewer and the original creators. Prehistoric Native Americans, Jornada Mogollon, painstakingly carved, chipped and scratched these petroglyphs in the basaltic ridge high above the Tularosa Basin (roughly 200 to 1450 AD.).
Taking advantage of the running water in the restroom at Three Rivers, I copped a needed shave and a good wash up before returning north on I-54. The two lane portion of the highway was under construction, keeping traffic at a slow pace for about 60 miles as I was headed to Santa Rosa.
Hope to see you on the Trail!!..
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