10 Fun Things To Do Near Silver City, New Mexico (Grant County Guide)
Looking for a laid-back getaway in the Southwest?
Silver City, New Mexico, in
Grant County, is one of those small towns that quietly steals your heart. It’s artsy, friendly, historic, and just wild enough around the edges to feel like a real adventure.
Whether you’re road-tripping through New Mexico, planning a weekend escape from Tucson or El Paso, or just curious about small mountain towns, this guide to
10 things to do near Silver City will help you plan a trip you’ll actually remember.
1. Wander Downtown Silver City’s Colorful Historic District
If you only do one thing in Silver City, make it this.
The
Historic Downtown area is compact and walkable, with old brick buildings, bright murals, and a relaxed vibe that feels more like a creative little neighborhood than a tourist zone.
- Start on Bullard Street and Broadway
- Pop into local galleries and antique shops
- Grab coffee at a local café and people-watch
- Keep an eye out for street art and wall murals
What surprised me most was how
lived-in downtown feels. This is not a polished theme-park version of the Old West. It’s a real community where artists, students, retirees, and long-time locals all cross paths.
Travel tip: Park once and explore on foot. The downtown area is small enough that you can easily see a lot in just a couple of hours.
2. Hike the Catwalk Recreation Area (A Short, Dramatic Adventure)
About an hour and a half north of Silver City, near the tiny town of Glenwood, you’ll find one of the most unique walks in New Mexico: the
Catwalk Recreation Area in Whitewater Canyon.
This trail follows an old pipeline route, and parts of it are literally a metal walkway bolted into the canyon wall. It’s not scary, but it does feel a little thrilling.
- Distance: Around 1 mile one way (you can turn back anytime)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on how far you go
- Highlights: Narrow canyon walls, flowing creek, shaded areas
If you’re traveling with kids (or adults who secretly act like kids), this is a great “wow factor” spot without being a long, grueling hike.
Travel tip: Check conditions ahead of time. Flash floods can damage the trail, and parts of it sometimes close for repairs.
3. Step Back in Time at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
You can’t talk about things to do near Silver City without mentioning the
Gila Cliff Dwellings. About 45 miles north of town—plan on roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive on windy mountain roads—you’ll find ancient cliff homes built by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago.
There’s a short loop trail (about 1 mile) that takes you up into the caves themselves. You actually walk inside the dwellings, which makes the experience feel incredibly real and personal.
What stands out here is the combination of:
- History (ancient homes, pottery fragments, stone walls)
- Scenery (pine forests, canyon views)
- Quiet (it still feels remote and peaceful)
Travel tip: The road is curvy and slow. Give yourself extra time, bring water, and don’t rush. The drive is part of the adventure.
4. Explore the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness
If you like the outdoors even a little bit, the
Gila National Forest is a huge reason to visit Silver City. Grant County sits right on the edge of this massive forest and wilderness area.
You’ll find:
- Dozens of hiking trails, from easy strolls to overnight backpacking routes
- High mountain meadows and forested ridges
- Streams, hot springs, and wide desert vistas
One of the best things about hiking near Silver City is the variety. In one day, you can drive from warm desert hills to cooler pine forests just by gaining a couple thousand feet in elevation.
Travel tip: If you’re not sure where to start, stop by the local ranger or visitor office in Silver City and ask for suggestions based on your fitness level and time.
5. Soak in Natural Hot Springs Near the Gila River
Yes, there are
natural hot springs in this part of New Mexico—and they’re a perfect way to unwind after hiking or driving all day.
Several primitive hot springs sit along the
Gila River, usually reached by short hikes. You’ll need to do a little research before you go (conditions, directions, and water levels can change), but the reward is soaking in warm water with canyon views and starry skies.
If you’ve never soaked in a wild hot spring before, think of it as nature’s version of a hot tub—no jets, no chemicals, just warm mineral water and peace.
Travel tip: Bring sandals or water shoes, a towel, and pack out everything you bring in. These places stay nice only if visitors treat them with care.
6. Visit the Western New Mexico University Museum (Mimbres Culture)
Right in Silver City, on the campus of
Western New Mexico University, there’s a gem that many visitors overlook: the
WNMU Museum.
It’s known for its impressive collection of
Mimbres pottery—beautiful black-and-white designs created by people who lived in this region centuries ago. Even if you’re not normally a museum person, the patterns and artwork are striking and surprisingly modern-looking.
Why go?
- It’s a great way to understand the deeper history of Grant County
- It’s indoors—perfect for hot afternoons or chilly mornings
- It’s usually quiet and low-key, not crowded
Travel tip: Check open hours before you head over; campus museums can have limited schedules, especially during school breaks.
7. Take a Scenic Drive to the Santa Rita Copper Mine Overlook
Mining is a huge part of Silver City’s story, and you can literally see that history carved into the land at the
Santa Rita (Chino) Copper Mine overlook, just east of town.
From the viewing area, you look out over a giant open-pit mine—like a man-made canyon. It’s wild to see how big it really is, and it gives you a different perspective on how this region developed.
Combine this stop with:
- A scenic drive on U.S. Highway 180 or NM-152
- Photo stops at pullouts along the way
Travel tip: Bring a camera or your phone. The scale of the mine is hard to capture, but it’s fun to try.
8. Enjoy Local Art, Festivals, and the Silver City Farmers’ Market
Silver City is more than history and hiking trails—it’s also a lively
arts town with a strong sense of community.
Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Art walks and gallery openings
- Live music in small venues or outdoor spaces
- Seasonal festivals and cultural events
- The Silver City Farmers’ Market with local produce and handmade goods
Even if there’s no special event during your trip, you’ll still find plenty of local art in shops and restaurants. The town has that creative, “we make our own fun” energy that makes it feel welcoming and real.
Travel tip: Check local event calendars or the Silver City tourism website before your trip. Planning your visit around a festival can add a whole new layer to your experience.
9. Go Birdwatching at Local Lakes and Along the Gila River
Grant County is a quiet but excellent spot for
birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. You don’t have to be a hardcore birder to enjoy it—just bring some patience and maybe a pair of binoculars.
Popular places near Silver City include:
- Small lakes and reservoirs in the area
- Riparian (river) zones along the Gila River
- Forest edges where open land meets trees
You might see hawks, songbirds, waterfowl, and sometimes even sandhill cranes passing through, depending on the time of year.
Travel tip: Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times for both bird activity and soft, beautiful light.
10. Take a Day Trip to Pinos Altos for Old West Vibes
Just a short drive—about 10 miles—north of Silver City sits
Pinos Altos, a tiny former mining town that still hangs onto its Old West flavor.
Here you’ll find:
- Historic buildings and a small museum feel
- Local eateries with a rustic atmosphere
- Quick access to hiking and forest roads
Pinos Altos is the kind of place where you can grab lunch, walk around for a bit, and then head out into the forest for an afternoon drive or hike. It’s simple, but that’s the charm.
Travel tip: Combine Pinos Altos with a drive deeper into the Gila National Forest for a full day of exploring without going too far from Silver City.
Why Silver City, New Mexico Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List
Silver City and the rest of Grant County don’t scream for attention the way some bigger destinations do. And that’s exactly why they’re worth your time.
Here, you can:
- Walk quiet historic streets instead of crowded theme parks
- Trade long lines for short hikes and big views
- Swap chain restaurants for local cafes and family-owned spots
If you’re looking for an easy base to explore the
Gila National Forest, soak in natural hot springs, visit ancient cliff dwellings, and still come “home” to good food and a comfortable bed,
Silver City, New Mexico is a smart choice.
Share Your Silver City Experience
Have you been to Silver City or anywhere in Grant County? Did you hike the Catwalk, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings, or discover a great local coffee shop?
Drop your stories, tips, and favorite spots in the comments below. Your experience might help someone else plan their own New Mexico adventure.
And if you found this guide to
things to do near Silver City, New Mexico helpful, please:
- Share it with a friend who loves road trips
- Post it to your travel planning board or group
- Save it for your next Southwest getaway
The Southwest is full of famous places—but Silver City is one of those quieter destinations that sticks with you long after you’ve headed home.
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