Location: Silver City
Top Things to do in Silver City
Things to do in Silver City, New Mexico (NM): The Best Nature & Parks
As suggested by its name, Silver City began as a mining town at the height of the prospecting boom in the 1800s and has survived a long Wild West history that hosted such notorious notables as Billy the Kid and "Dangerous Dan" Tucker. Evidence of its even earlier history can be seen at the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where ancient homes of the Mongollon Pueblo still stand. Hikers, cyclists and outdoors enthusiasts flock to explore the scenery of the Gila National Forest.
Restaurants in Silver City
1. Penny Park
2. Gila National Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
Whether you are in the Gila National Forest to hike, camp, drive, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings.... take your time and take it all in. It’s worth more than a quick day trip to really experience the wilderness. There are hiking trails for all skill levels and camping in excellent locations. There is limited to zero cellular service, so if this is important to you, be prepared to plan ahead.
3. Jordan Hot Springs
4. Mimbres River Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By PDS_Tucson - Tucson, United States
We visited this place 5 years ago and am glad to report it looks every bit as wonderful now as it did then. If you wanna see lots of birds and enjoy the quiet beauty of a pristine riparian habitat in the desert Southwest, this is a great place to stop. You can be immersed in this scenic habitat with just a very short walk of 5 minutes or so from the unmarked parking area. Hiking afield is also possible although it might require a bit of bushwhacking. Personally we were more than content to just Android the place from the well marked and very short hiking trail that reaches the river itself. Something to consider is to take a light folding camping chair and a little picnic down to the river's edge where you can sit and enjoy the sights and solitude. The picnic tables located at the old barn are quite dilapidated and dirty so don't count on them as a picnic stop. Please refer to a prior Trip Advisor posting for clear driving directions to the site. It's just a short distance North from the little village of Mimbres and makes for a great stop on the way to Lake Roberts and/or the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Another excellent little stop very close to this habitat is the Mimbres Cultural Heritage Centre which, right now, is only open Friday through Sunday. If you happen to be staying at Georgetown Cabins this site is just a 10 to 15 minute drive away. From Silver City the drive probably takes about 30 minutes.
5. Lake Roberts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
We came to Pino Altos/Silver City area to relax and "get off the grid" so to speak. It's about a 45 minute drive from Pinos Altos through the Gila Wilderness and just simply gorgeous. Great hiking trails, and camping areas as you drive out to Lake Roberts (if you turned veer left instead of right at the fork, you would head out to the Gila Cliff Dwellings). We went out 2 days fishing, and the fishing is wonderful. You can take a boat, fish off the dock, or at various areas around the shoreline. There is no swimming or wading allowed. We picked up our fishing license at the Walmart in Silver City before heading to the lake. The temperature was about 38 degrees when we started, but warmed up quickly and was gorgeous. With things being closed to due to CoVID, make sure that you fill up on gas and have all of the essentials before heading out- there are no services......but take a picnic lunch and stay out all day! Stop by the Arrastra Historic Site just a little ways past the Bear Creek Cabins in Pinos Altos on your way out- it's worth the 10-15 minute detour to see a little of the area's history.
6. The Dragonfly Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By DarrylL833 - Marana, United States
One of our favorite hiking trails while visiting Silver, this 4-mile loop trail is quite easy and very scenic. After hiking a short distance from the parking lot, you will encounter a rock face just to your left along the riverbank. Scamper around just slightly and look low on the rocks. You will see the petroglyphs clearly visible. The most fun one is the actual dragonfly, which is depicted in the signage. Very cool. Highly recommend for all ages and fitness levels. Just don't attempt in the middle of summer in the middle of the day.
7. Boston Hill
8. Big Ditch Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By BraJa55 - Globe, United States
You just gotta see the "big-Ditch." The art work along the walk is inspirational, and the summary and story of the "Ditch" is lain out in ceramic tiles, very impressive. The walk is shady, and we have run into some "shady" characters from time to time (lol). but they are always harmless. Plenty of benches to kick back in and relax. This along with "art-walking" in Silver is a must see. Enjoy
9. Bill Evans Lake Wildlife Area
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Jpthejojo1791 - Milton, United States
We stayed here a week in our 35 ft. travel trailer/camper. There is a paved road to the lake. The right side of the lake is flat with gravel. It has plenty of room for other RV's and campers, but does not have marked sites. The left side of the lake looks perfect for a few tents or smaller campers, not so flat. You can't drive a complete circle around the lake. There are no hookups for water, sewer, or electric. There are pit toilets. You can't beat camping for free for a max stay limit of 9 days. It's busy on the weekends with families fishing for bass and trout. We'd see a handful of people fishing every day during the week. The lake is under the New Mexico Fish and Wildlife department. We've seen a few game wardens. The elevation is about 4,500 feet, and is quite beautiful.
