Middle Fork Gila River Trail

After driving the winding mountain road from Silver City to Gila Hot Springs, I knew I had to do more than just see the Gila Cliff Dwellings (which are stunning, don't miss them). The Gila Wilderness is the first designated wilderness in the world, championed by Aldo Leopold. A hike into this remote Wilderness is a must. The trail to Little Bear Canyon starts at TJ Corral, a short drive from th...

The Gila Wilderness is the oldest wilderness area in The United States, and Jordan Hot Springs rests right in the heart of Canyon of the Middle Fork of the Gila River, along a stretch of the Continental Divide Trail and some 7 miles from the nearest road. The most direct road by either car or trail is to take New Mexico State Road 15 north out of Silver City through Pinos Altos for four miles u...

Park at the end of the 15 in the parking area. Walk all the way to the end of the road where you will find the trailhead.  This is rugged New Mexico wilderness so make sure you have proper shoes, hat, and plenty of water. This trail is very close to the Gila Cliff dwellings, which you will not want to miss.

Called the "Berg Trail" by Silver City locals in honor of Gary Berg who pioneered the extensive trail system around Gomez Peak, the Picnic Loop beginning at the Little Walnut Creek picnic area is a great way to be introduced to the incredible mountain biking trails to be found in the area. Beginning at the picnic area, you can follow the trail in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner, ...

Drive the 93-mile Scenic Trail from Silver City to Pinos Altos on Hwy 15  where you can stop to visit the Buckhorn Saloon and old Opera house. From there, drive Hwy 15 through the Gila National forest to the Gila cliff dwellings where you can stop for some hiking. Hwy 15 is very narrow and winding, but makes up for this with the stunning scenery. From the cliffs dwellings, drive Hwy 35  to San ...

In the last 1800's when Silver City was a booming mining town the quickly growing hispanic population of the Chihuahua Hill neighborhood built a small chapel aka "La Capilla" as a center of community activities including pilgrimages and the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  When the statue it contained was returned to the church in Mexico the original chapel fell into disrepair, the foundatio...