Trail · Southwest NM
Arrastra Interpretive Site
On the Silver City district adjacent to NM Hwy 15; an arrastra was a primitive ore crusher used in old mining operations.
Silver City · Southwest NM
Silver City sits at 5,919 feet in the foothills of the Gila National Forest in southwest New Mexico, a former mining town that now blends historic downtown charm with access to wilderness trails, cliff dwellings, and gem shows.
Overview
Silver City is the county seat of Grant County and home to Western New Mexico University. The town was shaped by silver and gold mining in the late 1800s and today attracts visitors with its high-desert setting and proximity to the Gila National Forest.
Things to Do
Explore downtown Silver City on foot for its historic buildings and plazas. Hike trails at Arrastra Interpretive Site, Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area, or Dragonfly Trailhead. Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, fish at Lake Roberts, or camp at Forks, Black Canyon Lower, or Black Canyon Upper. Catch the Grant County Rolling Stones Gem & Mineral Society 41st Gem & Mineral Show or join a Guided Walk of Dwellings.
Food and Drink
Local spots serve New Mexico classics including red or green chile and sopaipillas. The high-desert climate supports fresh ingredients that pair well with the region's mining-town heritage.
Getting There
Drive via U.S. Route 180 or New Mexico State Road 90 from Interstate 10. Grant County Airport lies about 10 miles southeast of town. Most visitors arrive by car; downtown is walkable once there.
Where to Stay
Options range from historic downtown lodgings to campgrounds in the Gila National Forest such as Forks Campground and Black Canyon sites.
Culture and Protocol
Silver City lies near historic Mogollon sites at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Follow all posted National Park Service rules at the monument and respect the surrounding Gila Wilderness.
Best Time to Visit
The area enjoys four gentle seasons with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are cool and comfortable; expect monsoon rains from July through August. Spring and fall offer moderate days and cool nights.
Frequently asked
What is the elevation of Silver City?
Silver City sits at 5,919 feet.
What is the population of Silver City?
The 2020 census recorded 9,704 residents.
How do I get to Gila Cliff Dwellings from Silver City?
The monument is 44 miles north via New Mexico Highway 15, a narrow and winding mountain road.
Upcoming events in Silver City
Saturday, June 13
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Sunday, June 14
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Wednesday, June 24
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Friday, June 26
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Saturday, June 27
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Sunday, June 28
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Monday, June 29
- 11:00 AM MT
Guided Walk of Dwellings
Meet up at the cliff dwellings. · Silver City
Outdoor activities near Silver City
- Trail · Southwest NM
Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area
Just outside Silver City, a pleasant picnic and trail day-use area for groups and families.
- Trail · Southwest NM
Dragonfly Trailhead
Access to the Fort Bayard Trail System (Dragonfly #720, Servis Corrals #725, Old Highway 260 #260, Crosscountry Course #722).
- Fishing & water · Southwest NM
Lake Roberts Boat Launch
A small boat launch at Lake Roberts for non-motorized boats and electric motors.
- Fishing & water · Southwest NM
Lake Roberts
Along NM 35 in the Gila; accessible via NM 35 or the narrow, winding NM 15 (not suitable for trucks with trailers).
- Campsite · Southwest NM
Forks Campground
Beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River; a great stop on the way to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north).
- Place · Southwest NM
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Stone rooms built into five caves above Cliff Dweller Canyon, home to Mogollon families in the 1280s — and you can still walk through them on a one-mile loop. Getting there is the adventure: NM-15 from Silver City is 44 slow, switchbacked miles into the Gila, so give it two hours and make a day of it.
Hidden Gem - Campsite · Southwest NM
Black Canyon Campground - Lower
A beautiful remote camping area. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground, about 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office.
- Campsite · Southwest NM
Black Canyon Campground - Upper
A remote camping experience about 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office, accessible from Forest Road 150 (North Star Road).
Sources & verification
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.
- Elevation of 5,919 feet en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- 2020 population of 9,704 en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
- Located in the foothills of the Gila National Forest at 5,919 feet visitsilvercity.org · verified June 12, 2026
- 44 miles north of Silver City on New Mexico Highway 15 to Gila Cliff Dwellings nps.gov · verified June 12, 2026
- Mild climate with rainy season July to August nps.gov · verified June 12, 2026