Gila Trails https://www.gilatrailsinfo.org/

Information about trails in the Gila National Forest, Gila Wilderness, Black Range, Aldo Leopold Wilderness; water information; maps; volunteer opportunities, and MORE.

Gila Hike and Bike https://www.gilahikeandbike.com/

Maps, bikes, camp gear, friendly and helpful staff, rentals, and much, much more. CDT hikers can arrange pickups and drop-offs through their services.

Bikeworks https://www.bikeworksnm.org/

Buy a bike, build a bike, workshops, and opportunities to earn a bike.

Twin-Sisters Fitness and Cycling.

No website, but you can visit them in downtown Silver City. Full-service shop, bike and skateboard sales.

Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness
General Information: 1.575.388.8201
3005 E. Camino del Bosque • Silver City, NM 88061
Activities: Day hikes, birding, horseback riding, backpacking, and more. Take time to explore the Nation’s fifth largest National Forest and world’s first Wilderness Area; hundreds of miles of fantastic trails. Call or visit the Visitor Center for more information, maps, and current restrictions.
Getting there: Silver City is surrounded by the Gila! Get on HWY 180 and travel east or west; take HWY 15 and head north, or take HWY 90 and go south….. You’ll be in the Gila in no time!

Continental Divide
Silver City is a CD Trail Gateway community.
Click here for a map showing trail access at Bear Mountain – HWY 35
Click here for the North Burro Mountains trail section map
Click here for the South Burro Mountains trail section map

(Maps courtesy the US Forest Service)

Bring your own gear. Climb and boulder at your own risk.

City of Rocks State Park
P.O. Box 50 • Faywood, NM 88034
Phone: 1.575.536.2800
Activities: Camping, day-use, bouldering, stargazing parties, and more.
Getting there: From Silver City, take US 180 south approximately 28 miles to NM 61. Turn left on NM 61 toward Faywood; 4 miles to the park entrance road.
Rates: $5/car/day-use; $8 primitive camp site

Hueco Tanks
6900 Hueco Tanks Road No 1 • El Paso, TX 79938
General information and reservations: 915.857.1135
Activities: Climbing is restricted in order to protect archaeological areas, but Hueco Tanks is considered to be one of the best bouldering sites in America. Approximately 50 established routes, including jughauls, technical vertical faces, cracks, long chimneys, and plenty of exposure. Most routes have bolts. You need to be proficient at finding and placing gear for runout sections. You must call for reservations.
Best times to visit: October- April.
Getting there: Located 30 miles east of El Paso and about 5 hours from Silver City off I-10. Camping is available.

Useful link: Mountain Project; Rock Climbing Hueco Tanks

There are numerous places to camp in the Gila. For a complete list, click here.

Below are some of the more popular destinations close to Silver City/WNMU. In general, there will be no drinking water or wood available in these areas; bring your own (you can also use charcoal or propane). Don’t forget your tent, a cooler, and a camp chair! Fire restrictions may apply – call the USFS Supervisor’s Office at 575.388.8201 or visit the Gila National Forest  for more information.

Cherry Creek Campground
Open all year; no fee; picnic tables and grills; vault toilet; NO POTABLE WATER
Getting there: Located 14 miles north of Silver City on the east side of HWY 15

Forks Campground
Open all year; no fee; vault toilet; NO POTABLE WATER
The Forks Campground provides primitive camping opportunities along the West Fork of the Gila River. The steep, unpaved road into the lower portion of this campground is not recommended for trailers of vehicles over 20′. Vehicles are not allowed in the river or within 50′ of the water’s edge.
Getting there: located approximately five miles south of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15 and just north of the Gila River Bridge.

Grapevine Campground
Open all year; no fee; vault toilet; NO POTABLE WATER
This campground is located on the banks of the East Fork of the Gila River; close to the Gila Cliff
Dwellings National Monument and the town of Gila Hot Springs. The steep, unpaved road into the lower portion of this campground is not recommended for trailers of vehicles over 20′. Vehicles are not allowed in the river or within 50′ of the water’s edge. The trailhead for the Gila River Train #724 is located at the north-west end of the campground near the bridge.
Getting there: Located 40 miles north of Silver City on the north side of HWY 15

McMillan Campground
Open all year; no fee; picnic tables and grills; vault toilet; NO POTABLE WATER
Getting there: Located 15 miles north of Silver City on the east side of HWY 15

Mesa Campground
Tent site:$10; electric and hook-up sites: $15. Boat ramp, picnic tables and grills; flush toilets and drinking water
Getting there: Located on  HWY 35 approximately 21 miles north of Mimbres. Alternatively, drive north on HWY 15 approximately 25 miles to the intersection of HWY 35. Turn right . Travel east 2-3 miles and follow the signs. Allow about 1.5 hr. drive time.

Scorpion Campgrounds
Open all year; no fee; vault toilet; picnic tables and grills; drinking water is available at Visitor Center about ½ mile away
Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds are located near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.  Sites have picnic tables, raised grills and fire rings. All vehicles mus remain in the paved parking lot.

Getting there: Located more than 40 miles north of Silver City, on HWY 15. Allow at least 2 hours drive time from Silver City to reach Scorpion Campgrounds. These are the campgrounds closest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Visitor Center: 727 National Parks Highway • Carlsbad, NM 88220
Toll Free: 1.877.444.6777
Getting there: Located 5 to 6 hours east of Silver City. Visit website for driving directions.
Rates: Guided tours: $8- $20/adult; Self guided: $6/adult; children 15 and under free

Kartchner Caverns State Park
P.O. Box 1849 • Benson, AZ 85602
Park: 1.520. 586.2283
Information Line: 1.520.586. 4100
Getting there: Call for directions and reservations
Rates: Tickets $23 to $30 (adult) each

Boston Hill
This area reflects Silver City’s hard rock mining era. No amenities. Click here for a map.
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Bring drinking water.
Getting there: From Silver City, trailheads are available on Cooper, Cheyenne, Spring and Market Streets. Many of the trails intersect, offering a range of paths through the area. Maps are posted at all trailheads. Part of the Silver City Open Space Trail System.

Fort Bayard/Dragonfly Petroglyph Hike
Dragonfly Trail is well-known for the petroglyphs located approximately 1.5 miles from the trail head. Click here for a trail map.
Activities: Hiking; photography; cycling, horseback riding.
Difficulty: Easy.
Getting there: From Silver City, head east on HWY 180 until you reach Arenas Valley, about 5.4 miles. Turn left on Arenas Valley Road, heading north. You can’t miss the Dragonfly Trail head and parking area.

Gomez Peak and Little Walnut Picnic Area
Click here for a trail map. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Trails and group picnic areas; vault toilet.
For group reservations, please contact the Silver City Ranger District at 1.575.388.8201.
Getting there: From HWY 180 in Silver City, turn onto Little Walnut Road (across from the Skate Park) and head north 6 miles. Picnic area is well marked and will be on your left. No overnight camping.

San Vicente Creek Trail
Activities: Day hikes, mountain biking, bird watching.
Difficulty: Creek-side trail is easy for hiking; great for families with young children. Not suitable for strollers, no drinking water or toilets. Limited shade after leaving the creek-bottom. Map is posted at the trailhead kiosk.
Getting there: From downtown Silver City, head south on Bullard, past Jalisco’s restaurant. Turn left on Mill Street and park under the HWY 90 bridge. Part of the Silver City Open Space Trail System.

Don’t forget your permit! You can pick up a fishing license in at Chucks Folley, the gas station on HWY 180 in Cliff (575.535.2852); the Glenwood Trading Post in Glenwood (575.539.2321); Doc Campbell’s Trading Post in Gila Hot Springs (575.536.9551); and the Apache Creek Store, Reserve (on Apache Creek at the Quemado turnoff) (575.533.6800). Wal-Mart sells fishing licenses too.

Bill Evans Lake
Activities: 62 acre man-made lake stocked with rainbow trout and small mouth bass; camping, birding, hiking, and boating/boat ramp.
Getting there: From Silver City, head west on HWY 180 approximately 28 miles, turn left on Forest Road (FR) 809 and follow the signs.

Gila River
Many places to fish on the Gila and its tributaries!

Lake Roberts Picnic Area (see details under Day Use)

Snow Lake and Willow Creek
Picnic tables/grills; vault toilet; drinking water.
Activities: Relief from summer heat. Snow Lake is stocked with rainbow trout; boating (boat ramp available); hiking, camping(Dripping Vat Campground, Fee area), horseback riding and more. NM Game and Fish stocks Willow Creek with trout two to three times a year.
Getting there: From Silver City, head west/northwest on HWY 180 approximately 100 miles to Reserve. From Reserve, take NM 435 south 5.3 miles to where it becomes FR 141. Continue straight on FR 141 for 34.9 miles to FR 28 (Snow Lake sign). Turn right onto FR 28 and go 9.6 miles to “Y” intersection and FR 142 (Snow Lake sign). Bear left at intersection onto FR 142 and go 8.8 miles to Snow Lake Campground sign. For Willow Creek, bear right at the intersection and head down slope to Willow Creek (follow the sign) NOTE: High clearance vehicle recommended. FR 141 becomes gravel after 19 miles with the road surface remaining gravel all the way to Snow Lake and Willow Creek. This road can be rough, especially during the monsoon season (July – September). Check with the Gila National Forest about road, fishing and camp conditions. This area was heavily burned during the Whitewater-Baldy Fire of 2012.

Quemado Lake
Camping; fishing; vault toilet; NO POTABLE WATER.
Activities: 131 acre man-made lake stocked with trout; camping, birding, hiking, and boating/boat ramp/pier.
Getting there: From Silver City, head west on HWY 180 approximately 90 miles, turn left on NM 32 and follow the signs.

Call ahead for reservations, other services, and rate changes. Ride at your own risk and always wear a helmet.

Gila Hot Springs Ranch
Owner: Becky Campbell
HC 68 Box 80 • Silver City, NM 88061
Located north of Silver City in Gila Hot Springs
Phone: 1.575.536.9314 (evenings), or 1.575. 536.9551 (day)
Email: gilahotspringsranch@gilanet.com
Rates: Full day: $60/person; Half day: $40/ person. A guide is required and is furnished for $60

Gila Backcountry Services
Owners: Zack and Jamie Crockett • 23 Airstrip Rd • Gila Hot Springs, NM
HC 68 Box • 75Y Silver City, NM 88061
Located north of Silver City in Gila Hot Springs
Phone: 575.536.2213
Email: info@gilabackcountryservices.com
Rates: please call for more information

Apache WolfHorse Outfitters
Owner: Joe Saenz
P.O. Box 837 • Santa Clara, NM 88026
General: 1.575.534.1379
Rates: Variable; see web site

This is a short list of well-known hot springs in the area, but there are many others not listed. The sites listed are easy-access. Clothing is required at all public pools. Bring plenty of drinking water and don’t forget a towel.

Faywood Hot Springs
Getting there: From Silver City, take US 180 south approximately 28 miles to NM 61. Turn left on NM 61 toward Faywood. Turn left at the entrance. Camping and lodging available.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Rates: $13/person/day public pool; see website for private pool rates. Clothing required in public pools. Camping is available for an additional fee.

Frisco Springs
Getting there: Located about 55 miles north of Silver City off HWY 180. Turn left at sign onto Forest Road to park. Follow Trail 762 downhill; moderate downhill hike to the pools takes about one hour. Sand bottom pools are on the right side of the San Francisco River. Clothing optional. Bring plenty of water for the hike back out – it’s almost all uphill.

Gila Hot Springs – 3 different places to soak.
Getting there: From Silver City, take HWY 15 north to Gila Hot Springs. Turn right on Access Road (1/4mile south of Doc Campbell’s Post). From this point, if you want to go to:

1. Wildwood Hot Springs
…from the Access Road, turn right on Jackass Lane
General Information: 1. 575. 536.3600
Pools are developed; clothing required; camping and cabins available.
Rates: $7/soak; $12/camp and soak/day
2. The Wilderness Lodge
… from the Access Road, turn left on Jackass Lane. The Wilderness Lodge is the only house on the left. Clothing required.
Rates: see website
3. Gila Hot Springs, public pools
… from the Access Road, go straight ahead. You can’t miss the fun self-pay kiosk and relaxed
atmosphere. Undeveloped pools; clothing optional; camping available.
Rate: $5/day use; $6/person/camp & soak

Sundial Hot Springs
Owner: Shelley Donovan
P.O. Box 157 • Glenwood, NM 88039
General Information: 1. 575. 539.2712
Email: sundialsprings@gilanet.com
Getting there: 60 miles north of Silver City on HWY 180, between mile markers 55 and 56.
Sundial Springs is one mile off HWY 180 on Forest Road (FR) 519. Reservations are mandatory.
Rates: Variable, ($20-50/person/hour) see website. Pools are developed;  RV and tent
camping available; fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water

Visit Gila Hike and Bike

This place is more than a bike shop! They offer e-bike rentals, bike and outdoor sales, local maps, outdoor group listserve, hiking info, and more! Call 575-388-3222

Boston Hill
This area reflects Silver City’s hard rock mining era. No amenities. Click here for a map.
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Bring drinking water.
Getting there: From Silver City, trailheads are available on Cooper, Cheyenne, Spring and Market Streets. Many of the trails intersect, offering a range of paths through the area. Maps are posted at all trailheads. Part of the Silver City Open Space Trail System.

Continental Divide
Activities: Hiking; photography; mountain biking, horseback riding.
Click here for a map showing trail access at Bear Mountain – HWY 35
Click here for the North Burro Mountains trail section map
Click here for the South Burro Mountains trail section map

(Maps courtesy the US Forest Service)

Fort Bayard/Dragonfly Petroglyph Hike
Dragonfly Trail is well-known for the petroglyphs located approximately 1.5 miles from the trail head. Click here for a trail map.
Activities: Hiking; photography; cycling, horseback riding.
Difficulty: Easy.
Getting there: From Silver City, head east on HWY 180 until you reach Arenas Valley, about 5.4 miles. Turn left on Arenas Valley Road, heading north. You can’t miss the Dragonfly Trail head and parking area.

Gomez Peak and Little Walnut Picnic Area
Click here for a trail map. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Trails and group picnic areas; vault toilet.
For group reservations, please contact the Silver City Ranger District at 1.575.388.8201.
Getting there: From HWY 180 in Silver City, turn onto Little Walnut Road (across from the Skate Park) and head north 6 miles. Picnic area is well marked and will be on your left. No overnight camping.

San Vicente Creek Trail
Activities: Day hikes, mountain biking, bird watching.
Difficulty: Creek-side trail is easy for hiking; great for families with young children. Not suitable for strollers, no drinking water or toilets. Limited shade after leaving the creek-bottom. Map is posted at the trailhead kiosks and can be found here.
Getting there: From downtown Silver City, head south on Bullard, past Jalisco’s restaurant. Turn left on Mill Street and park under the HWY 90 bridge. Part of the Silver City Open Space Trail System.

New Mexico is home to 13 National Parks. Please visit the National Park Service home page for more information. At most parks, children under 15 enter free.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Outstanding archaeological ruins! Bring your camera!
Getting there: Chaco Canyon is located 8 to 10 hours north of Silver City, near Cuba, in northwestern NM. The recommended access route to the park is from the north, via US 550 (formerly NM 44) and County Road (CR) 7900, and CR 7950. The access roads are rough and infrequently maintained. Roads can become impassable during inclement (monsoon) weather. Open from sunset to sundown daily.
Rates: $8/vehicle for 7 days; $4/person for 7 days.

Chiricahua National Park
Unusual geological formations and spectacular views into Mexico
Activities include: Hiking, camping, horseback riding, site seeing; interpretive tours; history.
Getting there: From Silver City, head south on HWY 90 about 42 miles, merge onto US 70/Duncan HWY, then exit onto Interstate 10, toward Tucson, AZ. Drive approximately 65 miles, exit 344 to Wilcox, AZ. Turn left on AZ State HWY 186 for 32 miles to the junction of Arizona State HWY 181. Turn left. Chiricahua Monument entrance station is 4 miles.
Rates: $5.00/person

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Mogollon Culture archaeological ruins, interpretive center and top-notch bookstore.
Activities: View Mogollon (pronounced “moo-gee-own”) cliff dwellings, hiking, birding, camping, photography, interpretive tours.
Getting there: Located approximately 2 hours north of Silver City on Highway 15. Open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
Rates: $10/family/day or $3/person

Petroglyph National Monument
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America.
Getting there: From Interstate 25, head north to Albuquerque. Take the Paseo del Norte exit (232) and proceed west to Coors Road, exit south. Proceed south on Coors Road to Western Trail. Turn right (west) onto Western Trail and follow road to the visitor center.
Rates: No entry fee, but $1 parking/car fee applies at Boca Negra Canyon during the week
($2/weekend)

White Sands National Monument
White Sands is the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Exceptional!
Activities: Hiking, interpretive tours, sledding, full moon events, back-country and group camping, picnicking, and more. See website for more information; certain restrictions may apply.
Getting there: Park is located 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces, NM on HWY 70.
Rates: $3/person

Balmorhea State Park
One of the largest spring-fed pools in the world. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the pool is over 25 feet deep, maintains a constant temperature of about 72 degrees, and covers  almost 2 acres. Home to two federally endangered desert fish: Pecos Gambusia (Gambusia nobilis) and the Comanche Springs Pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans). Opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, camping, picnicking, bird watching and excellent stargazing. McDonald Observatory is relatively close by.

Amenities: RV and camp sites with electric, water and cable hook-up, showers, tent sites, group area, and a limited number of very nice cabins. Reservations required and must be made on-line (click here to make a reservation).
Getting there: From Silver City, take 180 south to Deming. Head east on I-10 through El Paso.  Continue on I-10 for several hours. Take the Balmorhea exit (exit #206); FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; State Highway 17 west four miles to the park. The park is located four miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. Total drive time from Silver City is approximately 6 hours.
Rates: Kids under 12 are free and schools should contact the park for discounts
Park entrance fee: $7;
Dive fee: $5 person/day, in addition to entrance fee
Campsite rates click here.
Cabin rates click here.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 Ski Run Rd. • Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
General Information: 1. 520. 576. 1321
Email: Skivalley@skithelemmon.com
Getting there: Take HWY 90 south to Lordsburg. Merge west onto Interstate 10 toward Tucson for 137 Miles. Exit 275 onto Houghton Road, head north 15 miles. Turn right (east) onto Catalina HWY, 2 miles to (east) Mt. Lemmon HWY 22 miles, to (north) General Hitchcock, follow signs. Total distance from Silver City is 225 miles; 4.5 hour drive time.
Rates: Full day lift ticket $40.00; equipment rental extra.

Sunrise Park Resort
12 Miles West of Greer • Greer, AZ 85927
General Information: 928.735.7669
Email: info@sunriseskipark.com
Getting there: Take HWY 180 (north) to HWY 260 (Eagar, Arizona). Take HWY 260 (west) 18 miles to HWY 273. Turn left on HWY 273. Sunrise Park Lodge is four miles south on HWY 273 and Sunrise Ski Area is another three miles past the lodge. Total distance from Silver City is 168 miles; 4 hour drive time.
Rates: Full day lift ticket $63.00; equipment rental extra.

KOA Campgrounds.  Tents sites with and without electic. Cabins are also available. Reserve online. Phone 575-388-3551.

City of Rocks State Park.  Tent and RV sites.  Showers, modern restrooms,  great trails, and seasonal star parties. Reservations made on-line or call the Park directly. Phone: 575-536-2800

Faywood Hot Springs. RV, cabins, and tent sites. Includes soaking in hot pools. Group rates available. Book online or call: 575-536-9663

Murray Hotel. Locally owned and operated. Located in the Historic District of downtown Silver City. Free parking and pet friendly. Phone 575-956-9400

Palace Hotel. Locally owned and operated. Located in the Historic District of downtown. Rooms include a continental breakfast. Pet friendly. Call for reservations: 575-388-1811

Bear Mountain Lodge. Hotel on 180 acres adjacent to the Gila National Forest. Great food, art, people, and rooms. Hiking. Free parking and continental breakfast. The permanent home for the One Million Bones installation. Call 575-538-2538

Other lodging information can be found here.