Campsite · Southwest NM
Kingston Campground
A small campground along NM Highway 152 near Middle Percha Creek, on the eastern edge of Kingston, NM.
Hillsboro · Southwest NM
Hillsboro is a small unincorporated community in Sierra County in southwestern 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.
Overview
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.
Things to Do
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.
Food and Drink
The historic Hillsboro General Store serves breakfast and lunch with traditional American fare alongside southwestern New Mexico cuisine and home-baked goods.
Getting There
Hillsboro lies along New Mexico State Road 152 in the Black Range foothills, roughly midway between Truth or Consequences and Silver City.
Where to Stay
Stay at Black Range Lodge or camp at Kingston Campground and Iron Creek Campground.
Culture and Protocol
Hillsboro preserves its mining heritage through historic buildings and the Hillsboro Historical Society. Respect private property and posted historic sites.
Best Time to Visit
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.
Frequently asked
What is the population of Hillsboro?
The 2020 census recorded 140 residents.
When was Hillsboro founded?
Hillsboro was founded in 1877 after gold was discovered in the Black Range.
What is the elevation of Hillsboro?
Hillsboro sits at 5,364 feet.
Is Hillsboro a good base for outdoor activities?
Yes, visitors can camp at Kingston and Iron Creek Campgrounds, fish the Rio Las Animas, and hike the Lake Valley Historic Townsite trail.
Upcoming events in Hillsboro
No upcoming events listed in Hillsboro right now — see what's on statewide.
Outdoor activities near Hillsboro
- Campsite · Southwest NM
Iron Creek Campground
In the Black Range Mountains off NM Highway 152 between San Lorenzo and Hillsboro, with scenic sites along a winding mountain road.
- Fishing & water · Southwest NM
Rio Las Animas
Within Gila National Forest, Black Range District Special Trout Water designation: Red chile. Regulations: Catch-and-release only, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Lake Valley Historic Townsite
A preserved silver-mining ghost town founded in 1878.
Sources & verification
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.
- Hillsboro is an unincorporated community in Sierra County, New Mexico, founded in 1877 following the discovery of gold. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Elevation is 5,364 ft (1,635 m). en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- 2020 census population was 140. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- It was the county seat of Sierra County from 1884 until 1936. en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Hillsboro General Store offers breakfast and lunch featuring traditional American fare, traditional southwestern New Mexico cuisine and home baked goods. newmexico.org · verified June 12, 2026