Things To Do In The Area

Silver City

Silver City is a unique a vibrant gem that serves as the gateway to the Gila wilderness.

  • Over 30 art galleries
  • Hiking trails through town
  • Diverse dining options
  • Vibrant Downtown
  • Unique local businesses
Silver City New Mexico
Silver City New Mexico

City of Rocks State Park

The City of Rocks earned its name from the volcanic rock formations that have created rock columns resembling buildings. The rocks rise as high as 40 feet, and are separated by paths resembling city streets.

  • Located roughly halfway between Silver City and Deming off Highway 61
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CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL

Known as one of the most significant trail systems in the world. It spans 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada and traverses five states across the United States, including an estimated 775 miles in New Mexico. The Burro Mountain section of the Trail is characterized by breathtaking long-distance views and a diversity of desert-woodland flora and fauna.

Fort Bayard HISTORIC SITE

1866 as an Army installation to protect settlers along the Apache Trail Fort Bayard was established.. The site has been a Military Reservation, a tuberculosis hospital and research center, housed German prisoners of war during World War II, and most recently Fort Bayard Medical Center. The site includes a monument to the Buffalo Soldiers and Fort Bayard National Cemetery, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2004. Many of the officer houses remain. Back roads of area gain access to the Fort Bayard National Cemetery and wildlife viewing.

GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS

The Gila Cliff Dwellings offer a glimpse into the history of the Tularosa Mogollon. Groups of nomadic people traveled along the Gila River for thousands of years, using the existing caves as shelter. In the 1200’s, a group settled in the Cliff Dwellings, building shelters and, after moving on, left hints of how they lived in the caves. There are also several hot springs in the area within walking distance of the Visitor Center.

Gila Cliff Dwellings
Mogollon Ghost Town

MOGOLLON GHOST TOWN

Mogollon is one of New Mexico’s premier ghost towns. Set in the beautiful Mogollon Mountains near Silver Creek Canyon, this historic mining town was built in 1897. Mogollon has seen a fair share of fires and floods, but despite these catastrophes, kept coming back as a prosperous silver and gold ore mine until years after World War II.

GLENWOOD CAT WALK

Located in the beautiful wilderness of the Mogollon Mountains, the Catwalk was originally built for miners to maintain the pipeline that traversed the canyon during the gold mining era in Whitewater Canyon. In the 1930’s the original trail was built following the path of the old pipeline. The trail offers a unique experience as visitors travel the canyon on rocky paths and narrow bridges alike.

Glenwood Cat Walk
Lake Roberts

LAKE ROBERTS

A beautiful, peaceful lake situated in the Upper Mimbres Valley, within the Gila National Forest, surrounded by Ponderosa and Pinon Pine trees. The lake, at its capacity, covers about 69 acres.

Mimbres Culture Heritage Site:

Visit the Mattocks Ruin and experience what life was like 1,000 years ago in this region. This historic location is an educational site where visitors can experience the Mattocks Ruins, view the Wood and Gooch Houses, and the land itself. The Mattocks site is uniquely accessible, lying off a main road, helping it to become a center of extensive research for nearly 100 years. Thus archaeologists from all over the world have studied the ruins. The history is rich in this location.

  • Location: Take NM HWY 152, to NM HWY 25 (Mimbres Valley) and site is located near mile post 4
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours (drive to and from Silver City to ruins… 45 minutes one way, 1-2 hours on location, 45 minute return drive)
  • Activities: View historic location
  • Cost: $-0-
  • Accessibility: easy access
  • Hours: Open to the public daily from 11-3 (Friday through Sunday from November through May)
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Pinos Altos Historical Town:

Pinos Altos is a thriving mining ghost town situated at the southern border of the Gila National Forest. The town is nestled among the pines and surrounded by creeks, mountain paths, and a rich history. The Continental Divide Trail crosses Highway 15 just 2 miles north of Pinos Altos. Drive or walk some of the streets of this historic community and visit the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House as well as the historic Hearst Church.

  • Location: Access via Highway 15, just 7 miles north of Silver City
  • Time Needed: 1-2 hours, depending on desired activities
  • Activities: Walking historic main street and visiting Hearst Church and old saloon/opera house. Wildlife viewing, historical location for dining, photography, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness. Local amenities include shops, cabins, and the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House
  • Cost: $-0-
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible
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Silver City Museum:

Opened in 1967, the Silver City Museum is the home of some 20,000 objects relating to the peoples and history of southwest New Mexico. The Museum creates opportunities for residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse culture and unique history. In addition to its exhibits, the Museum hosts frequent events to educate and entertain visitors.

  • Location: 312 West Broadway Street, The Museum is located 4 blocks west of the Silver City Visitor Center in Historic Downtown Silver City
  • Time Needed: 1-2 hours
  • Activities: Educational exhibits, occasional crafts and presentations, free self-guided Tour Pocket Guides for surrounding neighborhoods are available
  • Cost: $3 per person suggested donation
  • Accessibility: wheelchair assessable to most of the museum and grounds
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9 – 4:30, Saturday – Sunday 10 – 4
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