Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • City of Rocks State Park (NM)

    The City of Rocks was created by a volcanic eruption and now provides excellent opportunities for hiking and camping.

  • Continental Divide and Continental Divide Trail (NM)

    Offers stunning views of Mexico to the south and the high mountainous heart of the Gila National Forest. The rugged Aldo Leopold Wilderness and the volcanic Black Range are visible from the Mimbres Valley.

  • Forks of the Gila River (NM)

    The three forks of the Gila River converge in this area, where several forest campgounds can also be found.

  • Fort Bayard (NM)

    Recently designated a National Historic Landmark, Fort Bayard is a former 19th Century U.S. Army post built to protect miners and settlers from Apache raids.

  • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (NM)

    Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of the people of the Mogollon culture who lived in the Gila Wilderness from the 1280s through the early 1300s.

  • Gila National Forest (NM)

    The Gila National Forest has scenery ranging from high cool mountains with aspen and douglas fir to warm semi-arid lowlands with juniper, oak and cactus. Covering 3.3 million acres it is the sixth largest National Forest in the continental U.S.

  • Gila Wilderness (NM)

    The first nationally designated wilderness in the U.S., the Gila Wilderness boasts diverse plant and animal species, rock formations, post volcanic landscapes, and lush canyons. Its trails provide for acres of hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

  • Lake Roberts (NM)

    Lake Roberts is a pristine mountain lake nestled in the pine-covered slopes of the nearby mountains.

  • Mimbres (NM)

    Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find the city of Mimbres sitting peacefully in the Mimbres Valley. The Mimbres River flows along the road, creating a linear oasis of cottonwood bosque winding past small ranches.

  • Pinos Altos (NM)

    Nestled in the Gila National Forest, Pinos Altos was once a prosperous mining community.