Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway

State: New Mexico
Length: 95.0 mi / 152.9 km
Time to Allow: 3 hours to drive or a few days to fully explore

Very rarely does a scenic byway take you through as much human history as this one does. Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway brings visitors face to face with thousands of years of human history, from the relatively recent homesteaders striking out west and the Native Americans who still make their home in the area, to ancient peoples who made their homes within the cliffs round along this trail. However, there is more to this scenic byway than just the area’s history. Not only does this byway offer access to several recreation areas, as well as Gila National Forest, the first National Wilderness Area established in the United States, but it is also best known for its status as “The Inner Loop” of the Tour of the Gila bike race that takes place annually.

Those looking to take to the trails, either on foot or on a bike will find plenty of locations to get out and stretch their legs. Not only can visitors explore the Continental Divide, a gorgeous forested region that is well worth exploring, they can also test their biking skills by taking on the Inner Loop of the Tour of the Gila race. Those looking for a more leisurely pace can find plenty of picnicking areas, as well as scenic overlooks that allow you to take in the beauty of the New Mexican landscape from the comfort of your car.

For people looking to learn more about the history of the region, Silver City is a must-visit area, with a mining museum, vintage Western area, and a saloon and opera house that are sure to stun. Those looking for a more meandering exploration of the past can stop at several locations along this byway, ranging from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument to several smaller locations along the way, including old settler trails and routes followed by Spanish expeditions when first exploring the area. Those looking to enjoy the New Mexico night sky similarly to early explorers can visit one of the camping locations along Gila River, or carry on along the trail to Lower Scorpion Campground, which has a bonus location of a cave dwelling that’s well worth exploring. Cave dwelling is a deceiving term, as this location has 42 connected rooms, and could have housed several families at once, allowing them to escape the oppressive New Mexico heat.

No matter if you find yourself traveling the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway to experience a slice of history, or are looking to hike, bike, or camp in some of the most beautiful wilderness areas of New Mexico, there are plenty of points of interest worth visiting along this incredible trail. Whether you find yourself drawn to the allure of the Old West, or are hoping to visit some of the modern entertainment options along this trail, you’re sure to find no shortage of entertainment options along the way and will find yourself understanding why humans have been so drawn to this region of the world for thousands of years.

More New Mexico Byways

You can check out additional Byways in New Mexico by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the New Mexico Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.