Drive the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway
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Features
About this place
Scenic byway traveling through forested area to old historic towns, cliffs dwellings, and a lake. A large section of the trail travels through the Gila National Forest.
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 Lorenzo past Lake Roberts. If you're feeling up for it, you can also hike a section of the Continental Divide Trail.
You can start this drive where you please, but head to this google map link for an outline of the drive.
Silver City is definitely worth a visit. It has great adventures, shops, and restaurants. See more in Adventure Gold in the Land of Enchantment: 72 Hours in Silver City, New Mexico.