10 Easy Road Trips Near Silver City, New Mexico (All Outside Grant County)
If you’re based in
Silver City, New Mexico and you love to drive, you’re in luck. Within a couple of hours, you can reach small border towns, hot springs, huge lakes, ghost towns, and wild canyons—all
outside Grant County in nearby New Mexico and Arizona counties.
These are simple weekend or day trips. Pack some snacks, fill up the gas tank, and let’s explore the best
short road trips near Silver City in surrounding counties:
- Greenlee County, AZ
- Catron County, NM
- Hidalgo County, NM
- Luna County, NM
- Sierra County, NM
None of these spots are in Silver City or Grant County, so they’re perfect when you’re craving a change of scenery.
1. Clifton & Morenci, Arizona – Mining Town Views and Crazy Switchbacks (Greenlee County, AZ)
Head west from Silver City into
Greenlee County, Arizona, and you’ll find two small towns with a big personality:
Clifton and
Morenci.
What makes this road trip special is the
drive itself. The road between Clifton and Morenci winds through a massive open-pit copper mine and then climbs into pine-covered mountains with tight turns and sweeping views.
- Walk through historic downtown Clifton with its brick buildings and old-time feel.
- Check out viewpoints over the huge Morenci mine—it looks like a man-made canyon.
- Follow the winding road toward Hannagan Meadow if you want cooler mountain air.
If you like dramatic roads, this one feels like a roller coaster built into the mountains. Just take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
2. Mogollon Ghost Town – A Step Back in Time (Catron County, NM)
Looking for something that feels a little haunted and a lot historic? Drive north into
Catron County to the old mining town of
Mogollon.
This narrow canyon town has wooden buildings clinging to the slopes and a quiet, almost frozen-in-time atmosphere.
- Stroll the narrow main street and admire old storefronts.
- Visit the small museum if it’s open and learn about the mining days.
- Bring a camera—the weathered buildings are incredibly photogenic.
The road into Mogollon is steep and curvy, so it’s best in daylight and good weather. But once you’re there, it feels like you’ve stepped into an old Western movie set.
3. Glenwood & The Catwalk Recreation Area – A Canyon Trail on Steel Bridges (Catron County, NM)
Another great destination in
Catron County is the tiny town of
Glenwood and the nearby
Catwalk Recreation Area.
The Catwalk is a unique trail built along the walls of a narrow canyon. Parts of it are on metal walkways hanging above the stream.
- Walk the elevated catwalk trail right over the water.
- Cool off by dipping your feet in the creek.
- Enjoy shady spots that feel like a hidden oasis in the desert.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great one—the walk is short, exciting, and different from a typical hike.
4. Lordsburg – Trains, Desert Skies, and History (Hidalgo County, NM)
Drive southwest into
Hidalgo County and you’ll reach
Lordsburg, a small town with big open skies and a strong railroad past.
It’s not flashy, but it’s a solid stop if you enjoy quiet desert towns and open highways.
- Watch freight trains roll through—train lovers will be in heaven.
- Look for historic markers about early travelers and the Butterfield Overland Mail route.
- Use Lordsburg as a base to explore nearby desert backroads.
On one trip, I pulled over near Lordsburg at dusk, and the sunset stretched across the horizon like a giant painting—no buildings, just sky and silence. If you like that kind of peace, this drive is for you.
5. Steins Ghost Town – A Desert Time Capsule (Hidalgo County, NM)
Just off I-10, still in
Hidalgo County, you’ll find
Steins, a privately owned ghost town that often opens for tours and events.
It’s small, but it’s packed with old buildings and artifacts from frontier days.
- Walk among authentic wooden buildings and weathered wagons.
- Hear stories (if a tour is available) about life in this rough railroad town.
- Practice photography—rusty metal, peeling paint, and desert backdrops are everywhere.
Always check ahead for current hours, because access can change. But if you’re already passing on I-10, Steins makes a fun, quick detour.
6. Deming – Wine, Rocks, and Wide-Open Roads (Luna County, NM)
To the southeast, in
Luna County, the town of
Deming offers a good mix of food, history, and quirky roadside fun.
Deming is a classic desert highway town with a few surprises.
- Visit local wineries around Deming and taste New Mexico wine.
- Explore rock and mineral shops—this area is great for rockhounds.
- Grab a green chile cheeseburger or Mexican food at a local diner.
Deming is also a handy jumping-off point to other adventures, including the next spot on this list.
7. Rockhound State Park – Hunt for Your Own Souvenir (Luna County, NM)
Just southeast of Deming, still in
Luna County, you’ll find
Rockhound State Park, a true desert gem for anyone who likes rocks, hiking, or big views.
As the name suggests, you can actually collect certain rocks here legally.
- Hike short trails with clear views of the Florida Mountains and the desert below.
- Search for interesting rocks; small quantities are allowed to be taken home (double-check current rules).
- Enjoy a picnic with wide horizons and starry skies if you stay late.
If you’ve got kids—or just your own inner kid—hunting for shiny stones on a hillside never really gets old.
8. Columbus & Pancho Villa State Park – A Border-Town Story (Luna County, NM)
Drive farther south in
Luna County and you’ll reach
Columbus, New Mexico, just a few miles from the Mexican border. History buffs will love
Pancho Villa State Park here.
This is where Pancho Villa’s forces raided the town back in 1916, leading to a U.S. military expedition into Mexico.
- Walk through the park and see old military vehicles and displays.
- Learn about one of the few times a foreign army attacked a U.S. town.
- Soak in the quiet, almost eerie calm of a place with such a dramatic past.
If you like combining a sunrise drive with a history lesson, Columbus makes a great half-day or full-day trip from Silver City.
9. Elephant Butte Lake – New Mexico’s “Inland Beach” (Sierra County, NM)
Heading east into
Sierra County, you’ll find
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, the largest lake in New Mexico. If you’ve been craving water after all that desert, this is the spot.
Elephant Butte is basically New Mexico’s version of a beach vacation without the ocean.
- Swim, boat, or paddle on miles of water.
- Set up a picnic along the shore—great for families or friend groups.
- Camp by the lake if you want to stretch your road trip into a full weekend.
On hot summer days, the cool water feels like heaven. It’s an easy choice when you want something completely different from mountain or desert drives near Silver City.
10. Truth or Consequences – Hot Springs and Quirky Vibes (Sierra County, NM)
Just south of Elephant Butte in
Sierra County sits the town with the unforgettable name:
Truth or Consequences, usually called
T or C.
This small town is famous for its
natural hot springs and relaxed, artsy feel.
- Soak in mineral hot springs along the Rio Grande—many spots offer private tubs with river views.
- Browse local art galleries and small shops downtown.
- Walk along the river and enjoy a slow, easy pace for the day.
If you’ve had a busy week in Silver City, a day trip to T or C to soak in hot water and unwind might be exactly what you need.
Tips for Road Trips from Silver City
To make the most of these
short road trips near Silver City, keep a few things in mind:
- Fuel up often: Some stretches in Catron and Hidalgo counties are very remote.
- Carry water and snacks: Desert drives can be long and services are spaced out.
- Check weather and road conditions: Mountain roads and canyons can be tricky after storms.
- Bring layers: Elevation changes can mean a temperature swing of 20 degrees or more.
A simple cooler, a paper map backup, and a fully charged phone can turn a good trip into a great one.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Silver City
These 10 out-of-county road trips—from
Greenlee County, AZ to
Sierra County, NM—show just how many
things to do near Silver City are waiting within a short drive.
Have you visited any of these places?
Did I miss one of your favorite spots?
Drop a comment and share:
- Your favorite nearby drive from Silver City
- Any hidden gems in Greenlee, Catron, Hidalgo, Luna, or Sierra counties
- Road trip tips other travelers should know
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends who are planning a New Mexico or Arizona road trip. The more we share our routes and stories, the more adventures we all get to enjoy.
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