Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • City of Rocks State Park

    City of Rocks State Park (NM)

    The City of Rocks was created by a volcanic eruption and now provides excellent opportunities for hiking and camping.

    Location:

    South of Trail of the Mountain Spirits Byway, west of NM-61.
  • Continental Divide and Continental Divide Trail

    Continental Divide and Continental Divide Trail (NM)

    This trail offers stunning views of Mexico to the south and the high mountainous heart of the Gila National Forest. The rugged Aldo Leopold Wilderness and the volcanic Black Range are visible from the Mimbres Valley.

    Location:

    Located at mile post 15.6 along SR-35
  • Forks of the Gila River

    Forks of the Gila River (NM)

    The three forks of the Gila River converge in this area, where several forest campgrounds can also be found.

    Location:

    Located at mile post 39 along SR-15
  • Fort Bayard

    Fort Bayard (NM)

    Recently designated a National Historic Landmark, Fort Bayard is a 19th-century US Army post built to protect miners and settlers from Apache raids.

    Location:

    Located on US-180 in Santa Clara, New Mexico
  • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

    Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (NM)

    Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of the people of the Mogollon culture who lived in the Gila Wilderness from the 1280s through the early 1300s.

    Location:

    Located in the Gila Wilderness Area
  • Gila National Forest

    Gila National Forest (NM)

    The Gila National Forest has scenery ranging from high cool mountains with aspen and douglas fir to warm semi-arid lowlands with juniper, oak and cactus. Covering 3.3 million acres it is the sixth largest National Forest in the continental U.S.

    Location:

    Located in southwest New Mexico.

  • Gila Wilderness (NM)

    The first nationally designated wilderness in the US, the Gila Wilderness boasts diverse plant and animal species, rock formations, post volcanic landscapes, and lush canyons. Its trails provide for acres of hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

    Location:

    22 miles north of Silver City in the Gila National Forest
  • Lake Roberts

    Lake Roberts (NM)

    Lake Roberts is a pristine mountain lake nestled in the pine-covered slopes of the nearby mountains.

    Location:

    Located along SR-35 at mile post 24
  • Mimbres

    Mimbres (NM)

    Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find the city of Mimbres sitting peacefully in the Mimbres Valley. The Mimbres River flows along the road, creating a linear oasis of cottonwood bosque winding past small ranches.

    Location:

    Along NM-35 in the Mimbres River valley
  • Pinos Altos

    Pinos Altos (NM)

    Nestled in the Gila National Forest, Pinos Altos was once a prosperous mining community.

    Location:

    Located on SR-15, about five miles northwest of Silver City