WIXLIB

aSILVER CITY

[SILVER CITY]Remotely settled in southwesternNew Mexico, Silver City boastsdark skies, a pleasant climate,abundant sunshine, 339 speciesof birds, five life zones, andenough precipitation to transformthe high desert hillsides into agorgeous, lush landscape fromsummer through fall.At 6,000 feet above sea level,Silver City’s mountainousair maintains a moderatetemperature year-round, yetthe town experiences fourdistinct seasons. Snowbirds witha fondness for winter will enjoythe few magical flurries this areareceives each year and thenrejoice at the warm sunshinethat removes all evidence ofwinter within days. Nature wowsvisitors to Silver City and GrantCounty, no matter their interests.Animal lovers and bird watchersin the area can observe thelife that animates riverbanks,the forests, and the parks eachseason. Astronomers can setup shop under the Milky Way,as observatories are sprinkled01throughout the county, and starparties occur regularly. Somestargazers might even want tospend a couple of nights at theCosmic Campground InternationalDark Sky Sanctuary, which is aneasy drive from town.The people make the place,and Silver City’s population of10,000 is a tight-knit communitythat welcomes strangersas family. You’ll anticipatefriendly conversation, as well asrecommendations on best placesto eat, hang out, and relax at oneof our locally owned coffee shops.

Silver CityEnjoy a morning walk along thehistoric flood-carved Big Ditch,which was at one time Main Streetand is now a lush downtownpark. Continue your day ofexploring, and by afternoon,you’ll understand why some of usnever leave. By the evening, you’llknow all the locals: the unofficialmayors, the sociable loners, andthe life-long natives.With abundant parks andplaygrounds, as well as a richvariety of arts programming,Silver City is a great place to raisekids. The culture and atmospherework together to cultivate richimaginations and create vibrantchildhood experiences. Here,diversity is more than a goal ora buzzword; it’s reality in ouraccepting and character-richcommunity. From toddlers tomillennials, baby boomers to oldtimers, ranchers and miners toartists and retirees, the peoplewho live in and visit our townrepresent a cornucopia of ethnic,cultural, and socioeconomicgroups.For more info: VisitSilverCity.org02

[EXPLORE]Catwalk Recreation Area— A scenic 65 miles from town on US 180, the Catwalk RecreationArea is home to stunning cliffs and streams. A steel walkway takesyou through the canyon and can accommodate individuals ofvarying abilities.03

City of Rocks State Park— Formed from volcanic ash over35 million years ago, this magicalpark is home to rows and rowsof towering monolithic rock. It’seasy to get lost in the walkwaysbetween rocks, so allow plenty oftime for exploration. Camping andpicnicking is allowed in the area.Continental Divide Trail — This 3,000 plus mile trail runs from the Montana/Canada borderall the way down to the New Mexico/Mexico border. One of its highestpoints sits atop Pelona Peak in the Gila National Forest and is 9,220feet high.04

Fort Bayard — Established in 1866, FortBayard’s purpose was to protectminers and ranchers. Additionally,the fort was home to hundreds ofBuffalo soldiers. Their influencecan still be seen in a life-sizedmonument at Fort Bayard. Visitorscan anticipate maintained historicbuildings and other monumentswhen making a trip to FortBayard.Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument— This United States National Monument was created to protectthe Mogollon Cliff Dwellings in the Gila Wilderness. It is locatedapproximately 44 miles north of Silver City on Highway 15. Its uniquelocation, exquisite beauty, and cultural significance make it a favoritefor area visitors and an important part of New Mexico history.05

Gila National Forest & Gila Wilderness— Established in 1924, The Gila National Forest was the first designatedwilderness area in the United States. It covers nearly 3.3 million acresof land, making it the sixth largest national forest in the United States.A playground for campers, hunters and avid outdoors people, theforest is home to a plethora of wildlife, including the Gila Monster,deer, elk, bobcats, and wild turkey.Historic Downtown— Downtown is a mecca for thevisual, performance, and culinaryarts. Home to art galleries,three theaters, and awardwinning restaurants, the historicdowntown district is the numberone attraction in Silver City.06

Mining District— This encompasses a 45-squaremile area in Grant County. Visitone of the largest open pit minesin the world, where copper isstill actively mined. For a deeperdive on the area’s rich mininghistory, visit the open air MiningEquipment Museum in Bayard.Silver City Museum— Opened in 1967, the museum features over 20,000 objectsthroughout its interactive exhibits. Additionally, the museum is home toa variety of events and lectures throughout the year.07

Trail of the Mountain Spirits— This scenic byway covers 95 miles and stretches from Gila CliffDwellings to the north, down to Silver City and east throughSan Lorenzo, New Mexico.Western New MexicoUniversity Museum(WNMU)— WNMU is home to a numberof unique cultural assets,including the NAN RanchCollection. This features theworld’s largest collection ofMimbres culture pottery andmaterials.08

Silver City & The Surrounding AreasCatwalk Recreation AreaWestern New Mexico University MuseumCity of Rocks State ParkLight Hall TheaterContinental Divide TrailSilver City MuseumFort BayardThe Big Ditch TrailGila Cliff Dwellings National MonumentBoston Hill Open SpaceGila National Forest Visitor CenterGough ParkBear Canyon ReservoirPenny ParkLake RobertsSilva Creek Botanical GardensMining District, Chino Mine09

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[STAY]There is no shortage of placesto stay in and around SilverCity and Grant County. Fromhistoric hotels to rustic cabins,there’s something for everystyle of traveler.For RV and camping lovers,the area boasts a numberof RV parks with a varietyof amenities and tons ofscenery, as well as a number ofcampgrounds and State Parksopen for both camping andRVs. For a quaint, quiet stay,visitors will find over 30 B&Bs,comfortable cottages, andcabins scattered throughoutGrant County.For more contemporaryamenities, Silver City ishome to a number of localhistoric hotels in and arounddowntown, as well ascorporate chains.VisitSilverCity.org/stay11

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[EAT]Silver City has no shortageof eateries both locally ownedand national brands.Our plethora of coffeeshops will keep any caffeinecravings at bay and our fresheats from local bakeries andlunch spots will appease anytraveler’s hunger. From pizza,to New Mexican, fine diningand casual comfort food,there’s plenty to please yourpalette throughout town.VisitSilverCity.org/eat13

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[ARTS]Silver City is an artists’ mecca.From mixed media andpottery to local live musicand theater,it’s easy to findthe media that speaks toyou. Not only is downtownhome to a number of studiosand galleries, where youcan happen upon an artistperfecting their craft, but thereare also dozens of galleriesscattered throughout town,as well as along the outskirtsof town. Silver City serves asinspiration for writers alike,with the Southwest Festival ofthe Written Word taking placeevery other year.Well known art organizationslike the Grant County ArtGuild, the Mimbres RegionArts Council, Silver CityArt Association, SouthwestNew Mexico Clay Arts Trail,Theatre Group New Mexicoand the Western New MexicoUniversity Cultural AffairsDepartment can connectvisitors with events and artists.VisitSilverCity.org/arts15

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[EVENTS]Silver City has events toentertain those with a widevariety of interests. Outdoorenthusiasts can enjoy eventslike the Tour of the Gila andthe Gila Monster Gran Fondothat take cyclists through theextraordinary Gila Wilderness.For artists, the Clay Festivalis a town favorite, and theRed Dot Art Studio Tour andWeekend at the Galleriescan guide you on a pathto discovering unique andinspiring artists who specializein an array of media from printto weaving and painting topottery.Whatever your interests,you’re sure to find unique andexciting events on your visit.Listed are just a few events.For current dates and a fulllisting of all events, visit ourwebsite.VisitSilverCity.org/events17

TOUR OF THE GILAAnnually beginning of MayRED DOT SPRING STUDIO TOURAnnually in MayBLUES FESTIVALAnnually end of MayWILD WEST PRO RODEOAnnually second weekend of JuneFIESTA LATINAAnnually third or fourthweekend in JuneCLAY FESTIVALAnnually mid–JulyGEM AND MINERAL SHOWAnnually first weekend ofSeptemberGILA RIVER FESTIVALAnnually end of SeptemberSOUTHWEST PRINT FIESTAAnnually Columbus DayWeekend in OctoberRED DOT WEEKEND AT THEGALLERIESAnnually Columbus DayWeekend in October18

Catwalk Recreation AreaA path above the rest.visitsilvercity.org

SILVER CITY] Remotely settled in southwestern. New Mexico, Silver City boasts dark skies, a pleasant climate, abundant sunshine, 339 species of birds, five life zones, and enough precipitation to transform the high desert hillsides into a gorgeous, lush landscape from summer through fall. At 6,000 feet above sea level, Silver City's mountainous