Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway
Gila Wilderness, NM

The Gila Wilderness, located 22 miles north of Silver City, New Mexico, in the Gila National Forest, is precedent-setting as the first nationally designated wilderness in the US. The diversity of plant and animal species, many rare and endangered, can be found in areas of stark rock formations and post volcanic landscape as well as lush canyon bottoms. Visitors are drawn to the dark night skies and vast sweeps of country where solitude can be found. The wilderness' extensive trail system provides a variety of hiking, backpacking, birding, and horseback riding opportunities within a total land area of 558,065 acres.