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Old West Trails. Deming, Las Cruces, Lordsburg, Silver City, Socorro, Truth or Consequences & Catron County, New Mexico.
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T R A I L S
www.oldwestcountry.com/familyfunAffordable vacations. See page 1
Published exclusively forOld West Country as a supplement to
New Mexico Traveler
Old West CountryP.O. Box 884 • Silver City, NM 88062
1-800-290-8330Website: www.oldwestcountry.come-mail: [email protected]
Gina Kelley President, Truth or ConsequencesRoger McKasson Vice President, RodeoLola Polley Secretary/Treasurer, Silver CityKeith LeMay Executive Director, Silver City
Serving the communities of:Deming
800 East Pine • Deming, NM 880311-800-848-4955
www.demingchamber.come-mail: [email protected]
Las Cruces211 N. Water Street
Las Cruces, NM 880011-800-FIESTAS • 575-541-2444
www.lascrucescvb.orge-mail: [email protected]
Lordsburg117 East 2nd Street • Lordsburg, NM 88045
575-542-9864www.GreaterHidalgoAreaCoC.com
ReserveP.O. Box 415 • Reserve, NM 87830
575-533-6116www.catroncounty.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Silver City201 N. Hudson St. • Silver City, NM 88061
1-800-548-9378www.silvercity.org
e-mail: [email protected]
SocorroP.O. Box Drawer K • Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-8927www.socorronm.gov
e-mail: [email protected]
MagdalenaP.O. Box 281 • Magdalena, NM 87825-0281
Voice 866-854-3217www.magdalena-nm.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Truth or Consequences400 W. 4th Avenue
Truth or Consequences, NM 87901575-740-3902
Elephant ButteP.O. Box 1355
Elephant Butte, NM 87935(575) 744-4708
www.elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.cominfo@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
Southwest Region 2Roger McKasson Chair, RodeoAndres Giron Vice Chair, Reserve
Susan LaFont Secy/Treas, Elephant Butte
Region Members:Edward Khanbabian Deming
Keith LeMay Silver CityMike Trumbull Las Cruces
OldWestT R A I L S
The massive metal and glasssculpture at the entrance toEl Camino Real International Heri-tage Center, midway betweenTruth or Consequences andSocorro, is called Camino deSueños and is the work of sculptorGreg Reiche, formerly of Socorro.
OUR COVERThe Rio GrandeTheatre in Las Crucesis part of the continu-ing downtown revital-ization effort. Built in1926 as a movie the-ater, it received a $2.2million makeover be-tween 1997 and 2005and reopened as a422-seat performingarts center. It is man-aged by the Dona AnaArts Council. Photo byJoe Burgess.
Old West Trails is published annually by Zia Publishing Corp. 116 McKinney Road, P.O. Box 1248,Silver City, NM 88062, 575-388-4444, [email protected], www.ziapublishing.com. President &Managing Director, Terri Menges. Vice President, Joseph Burgess. Staff Accountant, Arlyn Cooley.Designers, Debra Sutton, Terri Menges. Contributing Writers, Joseph Burgess, Brett Ferneau.Photography, Joseph Burgess, except where noted. Advertising Sales, Brett Ferneau, LeAnneKnudsen, Tamra Manning, Dawn Redpath. Distribution, Keith LeMay.Old West Trails is a supplement to New Mexico Traveler and is manufactured and printed in the United States of America. ©Zia PublishingCorp., 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. All submissions of editorialor photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the informa-tion provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.
FEATURESOWT1 Affordable VacationsOWT2 Old West CountryOWT4 Regional AttractionsOWT5 Relics & Realism. Forts, Ghost
Towns and Famous Buildings.OWT7 Great OutdoorsOWT9 Historic Mining TownsOWT32 Birding LocationsOWT33 Old West Country Map
DOÑA ANA COUNTYAn engaging historic plaza, a cavalry fort andmiles of hiking trails along the river and intothe jagged mountains balance the area’s rapidgrowth.OWT6 LAS CRUCES & MESILLA
SIERRA COUNTYThe home of New Mexico’s premier watersports destination is also an established centerfor natural hot mineral baths and healing arts,and the home of Spaceport America.OWT8 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCESOWT10 CITY OF ELEPHANT BUTTE
SOCORRO COUNTYThe spires of Spanish missions and headquar-ters for deep space eavesdropping compete forattention with incredible wildlife refuges.OWT12 SOCORROOWT15 MAGDALENA
CATRON COUNTYLakes, streams, parts of three national forests,a picturesque ghost town and pack trip oppor-tunities highlight this sparsely populated moun-tain region.OWT16 RESERVE, GLENWOOD,
DATIL & QUEMADO
GRANT COUNTYHistoric mining communities on the edge ofvast tracks of forest and wilderness havebecome havens for both outdoor enthusiastsand the arts.OWT18 SILVER CITYOWT23 BAYARD & HURLEYOWT24 TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN
SPIRITS NAT’L. SCENIC BYWAYOWT26 MIMBRES VALLEY
HIDALGO COUNTYOld West ghost towns represent the area’smining, stagecoach and steam locomotive eras,and remote birding opportunities are present.OWT28 LORDSBURG
LUNA COUNTYHiking, rockhounding and international shop-ping combine with wine, fast ducks, friendlypeople and plenty of sunshine.OWT30 DEMING
THE COMMUNITIESUnique shopping experiences, the arts and fascinating museums are the anchors for OldWest Country communities and the rapidly growing phenomenon of adventure tourismbegins at the edge of every town.
OW1OLD WEST COUNTRY AFFORDABLE VACATIONS
Did you know that a family of four (with children 8 and 16) can visit our top 10attractions in Old West Country for as little as $48. A couple for just $37.
In a series of nationwide surveys, Old West Country in southwest New Mexico, hadconsistently low vacation dollars spent in this region. The latest study in December2005 showed the average California couple spent $2227 for their 4-6 night vacation inOld West Country and the average Arizona couple spent $697. The bargain vacation!
We decided to contact our attractions and just see what a family of four could buyin our 120 attractions for about $20.00. The admissions to all of our top 10 attrac-tions was $48.00 for the family of 4, $37.00 for a couple.
These attractions included the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Old Mesilla, Elephant ButteLake, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, City of Rocks State Park, VeryLarge Array Radio Telescope, The Catwalk, New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum,Deming Luna Mimbres Museum and Shakespeare Ghost Town. All for $48.
For $141.00 you’ve covered admission to every one of our 120 popular attractions,less than $1.20 per family at each attraction! $119.00 for a couple (99 cents per attrac-tion)! No matter where you go in Old West Country the total cost for each of the sevencounty-area's admission varies from $3.00 to $47.00. Talk about affordable vacations!
For details on all 120 Old West Country attractions and more information, checkout www.oldwestcountry.com/familyfun.
$20 Family Fun for 4 at Old West’s Top AttractionsTop 10 Attractions Family 2
of 4 Adults
1 Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. $3 $3
2 Old Mesilla $0 $0
3 Elephant Butte Lake State Park $5 $5
4 Bosque del Apache Refuge $3 $3
5 City of Rocks State Park $5 $5
6 Very Large Array Telescopes $0 $0
7 The Catwalk Recreation Trail $3 $3
8 NM Farm & Ranch Museum $14 $10
9 Deming Luna Mimbres Museum $0 $0
10 Shakespeare Ghost Town $15 $8
TOTAL $48 $37
$3/person ages 18+. Hot Springs: Gila $3/person, $4/p w/camping,Wildwood Hot Springs $5/person and $10/p w/camping
Fees: $5 day use, annual $40 all parks; add $18 overnight camping,annual $180-$225 all parks
$3 per car load
Fees: $5 day use, annual $40 all parks; add $18 overnight camping,annual $180-$225 all parks
$3 p/car load for day use parking; no camping
Donations
Tours available; re-enactments
Truth or Consequences
Las Cruces
Silver City
Lordsburg
Deming
Reserve
SocorroOLD WEST COUNTRYSouthwest Region 2
OLDWESTOLD
WESTCountrySOUTHWEST
NEW MEXICOCountry
P.O. Box 884Silver City, NM 88062
1-800-290-8330www.oldwestcountry.come-mail: [email protected]
10. ShakespeareGhost Town.$4/$3 child
1. Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. $3/person
2. Old Mesilla. Free
9. Deming LunaMimbres Museum.Donations
8. NM Farm & RanchMuseum. $5/$2 child
7. The Catwalk Rec.Trail. $3/car
5. City of Rocks StatePark. $5/car
6. Very Large ArrayTelescopes. Free
3. Elephant Butte LakeState Park. $5/car
4. Bosque del ApacheRefuge. $3/car
Vaca�ions�AFFORDABLE
Ol�Wes�� Coun���
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW2
OW3OLD WEST COUNTRY
Southwest New Mexico combines the outdoor excitement and historical intrigue of 32 parks,monuments and sites with, well, everyday life. From the ancient prehistoric peoples who leftbehind a wealth of artistic creations to Spaceport America, Old West Country will challengeyou, delight you, entertain you and provide you a thousand reasons to return.
Early Spanish exploration efforts and supply trails opened the region to the earlyMexican and Anglo families who established today’s farming, ranching and miningcommunities. Apache skirmishes, confederate battles, famous outlaw incidents andhangings in the name of justice set the stage for a region that continues to push theenvelope in technology, business and environmental awareness.
The rugged canyons of the nation’s first designated wilderness area and NewMexico’s largest and most exciting water sports facilities are all found in Old WestCountry. National Scenic Byways and trails through millions of acres of bothnational forest and BLM properties provide the opportunities to challenge Mother Nature andthe elements, regardless of your physical capabilities.
Forts, plazas, missions, visitor centers, centers for the arts and specialty shops are scatteredthroughout Southwest New Mexico and will welcome you into a culture that truly makes youfeel like family. Welcome to America’s Old West.
opposite: Plantlife, birds, trails, arestored wetlandand a new educa-tional center makeMesilla ValleyBosque State Parknear Las Cruces agreat place toexercise musclesand minds.
Ol�Wes�� Coun���
DEMING, LAS CRUCES, LORDSBURG, SILVER CITY, SOCORRO, TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, & CATRON COUNTY
The stunning geology ofSouthwest New Mexico presents not only a
wide gamut of scenic vistas, but also the elements for an intriguing array of humanland use. Craggy peaks thrusting up from the historic Rio Grande Valley and thehigh Plains of San Agustin, home of the incredible Very Large Array RadioTelescopes, are among the Old West treasures offered residents and visitors alike.Parasailing on New Mexico’s largest lake or photographing elk grazing on a pristineAlpine meadow are merely the enticements to a land of continuous adventure.
Early people of the region lived in pit houses and cliff dwellings that can be expe-rienced at the Gila Cliff Dwellings, a national monument surrounded on threesides by the country’s first designated wilderness. The unique pottery of the nearbyMimbres culture can be witnessed in the museums of Silver City, Deming, LasCruces and Truth or Consequences. Spanish entry into the area is chronicled at theCamino Real International Heritage Center between Socorro and Truth orConsequences. Wild West episodes still unfold in mining and railroad ghost towns,plazas and a collection of forts scattered across the entire area.
The monoliths at City of Rocks State Park stand proud while the staggeringSanta Rita open pit copper mine scratches its way down into the earth’s crust. Vastnational forests blanket much of the region, skirted on the east and south by inter-state highways paralleling the strategic El Camino Real and Butterfield Trails.
A national recreation trail at The Catwalk and a park specifically for rockhounds near Deming contribute to the endless opportunities of Old West Country.Make any Old West highway your destination byway.
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW4
REGIONALBOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGEYear-round birding. Visitor center, auto tour andhiking. 16 miles south of Socorro. 575-838-2120.
THE CATWALK RECREATION TRAILWalkways suspended from narrow canyon wallsbegin a trail that works its way into the GilaWilderness. The trailhead and picnic groundsbeneath large cottonwood and sycamore trees arefive miles east of US180 at Glenwood. 575-538-2801.
CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARKA city of giant monoliths protruding unexpectedly fromthe desert floor is located halfway between Silver Cityand Deming, 5 miles east of US180. The park has a vis-itor center, hiking trails, and a night sky observatory.Call for the observatory schedule. 575-536-2800.
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARKNew Mexico’s largest lake offers opportunities for boat-ing, fishing, and swimming. Landlovers can find hikingtrails, birding, and year-round events. History buffs willlove the views of the 1916 dam and historic district atDam Site Recreation Area. 575-744-5421.
FORT SELDENAn 1800s cavalry fort that was utilized by the BuffaloSoldiers. A year-round visitor center and living historydemonstrations on weekends May through September.Nineteenth century military encampments secondSaturdays monthly year-round. 575-526-8911
GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NAT’L MONUMENTFollow the “Trail of the Mountain Spirits National ScenicByway” north from Silver City along NM15 or NM35 to thenational monument visitor center. Printed matter and amovie provide information about the 13th century inhabi-tants of this pristine area. The Cliff Dwellings are accessi-ble by a short, well-maintained trail. 575-536-9344.
NM FARM & RANCH HERITAGE MUSEUMA large and intriguing display of farm and ranch imple-ments from the early Anasazi to modern times. See livemilking demonstrations and special presentations. 575-522-4100.
OLD MESILLAA picturesque and historic Mexican/Old West plaza issurrounded by a stately church and 1800s buildingsfilled with fabulous shopping and dining opportunities.Additional shopping plazas with a charm all their ownare continuing to expand along Avenida de Mesilla.575-524-3262THE RIO GRANDENew Mexico’s lifeline flows through the Old West com-munities of Socorro, T or C and Las Cruces. It con-tributed water and food for early traders along El Camino Real and now supports industry, agriculture,recreation and individual needs for New Mexico’s cen-tral corridor. Visit the El Camino Real InternationalHeritage Center off I-25 at exit 115.
ROCKHOUND STATE PARKRock specimens scattered across the slopes of theFlorida (Flor-eeda) Mountains simply offer a greatexcuse to explore the area. Rockhounds meet regularly in the area southeast of Deming for demon-strations, sales and trading. 575-546-6782.
THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FORESTMagdalena Dist. made up of the largest collection ofhistoric ranchlands in New Mexico. 575-854-2281.
THE PLAINS OF SAN AGUSTINThe largest and highest grassland in North America,and watch for grazing antelope. 866-854-3217.
VETERANS MEMORIALA permanent Vietnam Memorial Wall has been erectedin Truth or Consequences to honor those who gavetheir lives for their country. 575-894-6600.
VERY LARGE ARRAY RADIO TELESCOPETwenty-seven dish-shaped antennas are spread acrossthree 13-mile tracks, one of which crosses US60between Socorro and Reserve. A visitor center explainsthe mission of the project sponsored by the NationalRadio Astronomy Observatory. 575-388-8201.
Attractions�
Old West Country is indeed the authentic OldWest, the real thing. Visitors discover that historic sitesin Southwest New Mexico are places where the pastcan be seen, explored, touched and, with a little imag-ination, relived.
The walls of old forts stand as sentinels to the processof change in the Southwest. Headframes from the era ofunderground mining still dot the foothills from Truth
or Consequences to Silver City.Buildings still stand that were inhabit-ed by Old West bad boys like Billy theKid and the Clantons. Mining andrailroad ghost towns throughout thearea offer the unique and almost eeriefeeling of meeting up with the spirit ofa wronged gunfighter or dance hallgirl. Even the dwellings of culturesthat predated the arrival of the Spanish
colonizers by centuries have been preserved. The wideswaths of trails used for the movement of Spanish andMexican supplies between Mexico City and Santa Fe aswell as the westward movement of American wagontrains can still be seen across desert landscapes.
The publishers of Old West Trails encourage visitorsto research specific sites and then enjoy an authenticadventure back across time. Obtaining directions, roadconditions and other information locally is advised.Verify the property status of the area you wish to visitand always respect the rights of private property owners.
RELICS&
this page: New Mexico’s largest water sportattraction is Elephant Butte Lake on the RioGrande. above, from top: Gila CliffDwellings Nat’l. Monument, City of RocksState Park, Bosque del Apache NationalWildlife Ref-uge, Fort Selden, The CatwalkRecreation Trail, Shakespeare Ghost Town.
below: The Knightsof Pythias Hall isone of the fewsurviving two-storycommercial build-ings of the boomyears in Socorro.Note the cast-ironelements of thefacade. As you drivedown CaliforniaStreet, you willquickly recognizethe Owl Cigaradvertisement.
Rea�ism�FortsDOÑA ANA COUNTYFort Selden. A State Monument.
GRANT COUNTYFort Bayard. On the NationalRegister of Historic Places.Santa Rita del Cobre Fort. Areplica of Fort Webster.
LUNA COUNTYFort Cummings Ruins.Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
SOCORRO COUNTYFort Craig. A BLM Special Management area on the Nation-al Register of Historic Places.
Ghost TownsCATRON COUNTYClairmont.Mogollon. Lightly populated.
DOÑA ANA COUNTYDripping Springs.
GRANT COUNTYGeorgetown.
HIDALGO COUNTYShakespeare. 575-542-9034Steins. May be closed, call 575-542-9864 or 575-542-8149
SIERRA COUNTYChloride. Population 10. Cuchillo.Hillsboro. Lightly populated.Kingston. Lightly populated.Lake Valley. Operated by BLM.Winston. Lightly populated.
SOCORRO COUNTYKelly. Obtain visitor’s pass at the rock shop.San Antonio. The Hilton section is south of the present town.
HistoricBuildingsDOÑA ANA COUNTYSan Albino Church.
GRANT COUNTYSilver City Museum.
LUNA COUNTYCustom House.Luna County Courthouse. On the National Register ofHistoric Places.
SIERRA COUNTYThe Pioneer Store. On the StateList of Historic Buildings.
SOCORRO COUNTYOld San Miguel Mission.The Capitol Bar.
OLD WEST COUNTRY OW5
Attractions�
DONA ANA COUNTY EVENTS Apr 16-19 Annual Border Book
Festival. 575-523-3988 www.borderbookfestival.org
May 2-3 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Mesilla. www.oldmesilla.org 575-524-3262
May 23-25 So. New Mexico Wine Festival. www.nmwine.com 575-522-1232
Sep 5-6 Hatch Chile Festival. 575-267-5050www.hatchchilefest.com
Sep 12-13 Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta in Mesilla. www.vivamesilla.org 575-524-3262
Sep 25-27 The Whole Enchilada Fiesta. www.enchiladafiesta.com 575-526-1938
Sep 30- Southern New Mexico State Fair Oct 4 and Rodeo www.snmstatefair.com
575-524-8602Oct 31- Dia de los Muertos at the Plaza Nov 2 www.oldmesilla.org 575-647-2369 Nov 7-8 Annual Renaissance Arts Faire.
575-523-6403 www.daarts.orgNov 13-15 International Mariachi Conference
& Concert. 575-525-1735www.lascrucesmariachi.org
Dec 24 Christmas Carols & Luminarias on the Plaza in Mesilla. www.oldmesilla.org 575-524-3262
LOCATION Las Cruces and Old Mesilla straddle the RioGrande at the junction of I-10 and I-25, 46miles north of El Paso.
TOUR ROUTE Mesilla borders Las Cruces on the southwestside of I-10. Travel east on I-10 and exit northon I-25 for 75 miles to Truth or Consequences.
MORE INFORMATION Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau800-343-7827 or 575-541-2444www.lascrucescvb.org
as Cruces, one of the nation’s top communities forbusiness and retirement, continues to defy the nation’s
economic woes, due in part to increased enrollment at New MexicoState University and rapid growth at both White Sands Missile Rangeand Fort Bliss Army Base. Construction is underway for SpaceportAmerica, with vertical launches planned for mid-2009, and alterna-tive energy-related industry will soon be in operation.
For the traveler and the potential retiree, ahost of opportunities includes numerous historicsites, museums, galleries, a nature park and arestored downtown main street area. Unfoldingacross the fertile Mesilla Valley for the past cen-tury, New Mexico’s City of the Crosses nowclaims four excellent golf courses with anotheron the way. A paved bicycle and walking pathstretches for miles along the river and ends at the
new Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park. Scenic hiking trails are main-tained on both sides of the rugged Organ Mountains.
Cavalry forts, ghost towns, lakes and national monuments arelocated in the immediate vicinity. History buffs will enjoy FortSelden State Monument and visitor center just north of town, keep-ing the lingering spirits of this 1800s cavalry fort active. Adjacentcampsites are available at Leasburg Dam State Park. And with the ElPaso/Juarez metroplex, host to outstanding shopping, gambling anddining experiences, located just 40 miles down river, Las Cruces istruly the hub for whatever your heart desires.
The shining star of the valley, Old Mesilla, offers an escape fromdaily stress to a real-life Old West setting. With a traditional plazasurrounded by Spanish territorial architecture and the towers of SanAlbino Basilica, the village provides excellent dining and one-of-a-kind shops and galleries. Originally serving El Camino Real travelers,Mesilla became the regional headquarters for the ButterfieldOverland Mail and Stage Line, the site for the signing of the GadsdenPurchase and a post for Confederate Troops. The saga of Billy the Kidincludes Mesilla, where he escaped a scheduled hanging in 1881.
ATTRACTIONSBranigan Cultural Center & ArtMuseum. History exhibits, art & culture.500 N. Water St. 575-541-2155. www.las-cruces.org/museums Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park.Geological formations, desert flora, hiking trail and archaeology. 575-524-3334.www.cdnp.org Farmers & Crafts Market. EveryWednesday and Saturday from 8 am-12 noon. Local produce andcrafts. Downtown Mall. 575-528-3276
Fort Selden. An 1800s cavalry fort thatwas utilized by the Buffalo Soldiers. Visitor center and living history demon-strations. 575-526-8911Leasburg Dam State Park. Fishing,campsites and swimming. 19 milesnorthwest of Las Cruces. 575-524-4068Mesilla Mercado. Local produce &crafts. Every Thursday & Sunday onMesilla Plaza. 575-524-3262New Mexico Farm & Ranch HeritageMuseum. 3000 years of New Mexico
agricultural history. 4100 DrippingSprings Rd.575-522-4100 www.frhm.org Stahmann Farms Country Store.Candy and crafts made with local pecans. 7 miles south of Las Cruces. 1-800-654-6887. www.stahmanns.com San Albino Church. Mission churchbuilt 1907. Old Mesilla Plaza. 575-526-9349St. Clair Winery. A variety of local wine. 1800 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-524-0390.
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW6
this page: ContinuingMain Street renovationsin downtown LasCruces have includedthe conversion of theRio Grande Theatreinto a performing artsvenue. opposite:Sunrise at the MesillaValley Bosque revealscattails along arestored wetland, ahaven for birds andother critters.
LAS CRUCES & MESILLADONA ANA COUNTY
L
OLD WEST COUNTRY LAS CRUCES & MESILLA OW7
BIRDINGLate fall migratory birds providespectacular bird watching andphoto opportunities at Bosquedel Apache National WildlifeRefuge near Socorro. The RioGrande and Gila River systemsand all mountain regions arehost to year-round birding.Hummingbirds provide a realtreat in warmer months in theLake Roberts and Gila CliffDwelling areas. 575-388-8201
HIKINGApache, Cibola and GilaNational Forest personnel main-tain trail networks throughoutthe vast mountain region of OldWest Country. Specific hikingareas include Aguirre SpringsNational Recreation Area at LasCruces, Catwalk National Rec-reation Trail at Glenwood andsegments of the ContinentalDivide Trail around Silver City.575-388-8201
BIKINGMountain biking roads andtrails are scattered throughoutOld West Country, while thesanctioned Tour of the Gila 5-day bicycle stage race is heldannually in Silver City. Checkwith local visitors centers forrecommendations.
ROCKHOUNDINGGem and mineral activity isfound throughout southwestNew Mexico. Specific points ofinterest include the MineralMuseum at the New MexicoInstitute of Mining and Tech-nology in Socorro, RockhoundState Park near Deming and theChino open pit copper minenear Silver City. 575-388-8201.
FISHINGAmong the state’s major fishingwaters are Elephant Butte andCaballo Lakes on the RioGrande. Mountain lakes andstreams are scattered through-out the Gila and ApacheNational Forests, includingLake Roberts, Bear CanyonLake, Bill Evans Lake, SnowLake and Quemado Lake.http://www.state.nm.us or 575-476-8000.
BOATING & WATER SPORTSWater skiing, scuba diving, jetskiing, sailing, parasailing andmuch more are typical activitiesat Elephant Butte Lake StatePark. At most of the smallermountain lakes, only electricpowered motorboats are allowed.
Ou��oors�THE GREAT
The diverse opportunities for creating awesome outdoor adventures in Old WestCountry will wrangle your imagination. Battling a trophy striped bass on NewMexico’s largest warm-water lake or a feisty rainbow trout in a cold mountain streamwill certainly enhance your vision of the Desert Southwest. Herds of grazing elk andclouds of migrating waterfowl can alter the horizon and power up your productionof adrenaline. Hiking trails and biking trails traverse the entire region.
Rock climbers and mountain cyclists are drawn by rugged terrain, sparse popula-tions and a near-perfect climate. Guides are ready to provide wilderness horsebacktrips for riders of all experience levels. Those who prefer touring by car can enjoy theold mining towns and mountain vistas of the area’s scenic byways.
Old West Country offers abundant opportunities for birding and rockhounding.Hikers enjoy the solitude of three national forests and two major wilderness areas. StatePark and Bureau of Land Management trails showcase the beauty and challenges of theregion’s desert landscapes.
Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes on the Rio Grande provide excellent conditionsfor numerous species of sporting fish. Elephant Butte is host to a full range of watersports including water skiing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing and parasailing.
Southwest New Mexico’s cold, clear streams and mountain lakes provide the chal-lenges that keep the true sportsman returning for more. Hand or electric-poweredboats, only, are permitted at these smaller, ‘no wake’ lakes.
ruth or Consequences, known as “America’s Most Affordable SpaTown,” has long been a destination for those seeking to rejuvenate
their spirit in its hot mineral waters. The Hot Springs HistoricBathhouse and Commercial District sits atop one of
the largest aquifers in North America, producing overtwo million gallons of hot mineral water each day.
The town’s original name of Los Ojos Calientes de las Palomashas gone through some modifications over the years. Popularlyreferred to as Palomas Hot Springs, the name officially becameHot Springs in 1916. In 1950, a promotional offer by RalphEdwards of the then radio and TV show “Truth orConsequences” persuaded the town’s citizens to change its name.
The hot mineral springs continue to draw visitors from aroundthe world. Today, ten spas and bathhouses offer soaks in these recuperative hotsprings as well as a complete range of massage and other rejuvenating healing artstreatments for weary travelers. With the construction of Spaceport America under-way, T or C will soon become host to visitors interested in space exploration.
this page: TurtlebackMountain rises upfrom the Rio Grande,directly across fromthe natural hot mineralbath mecca of Truth or Consequences.inset: Modern bathhouses and massagetherapy create a greatvisitor package whencombined with thearea’s galleries,museums and majorwater sport activities.
TRUTH �� CONSEQUENCESSIERRA COUNTY
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW8
ATTRACTIONSBlack Range RangerDistrict. Camping, hiking,picnicking. 575-894-6677Caballo Lake State Park.Boat launch sites, campsites,picnicking and visitor center. 575-743-3942Elephant Butte Lake StatePark. Campsites, visitor cen-ter, water sports and trails. 575-744-5421
Geronimo Springs Museum.Area history, pottery collec-tions and minerals. 211 Main St. 575-894-6600Veteran's Memorial Park andViet Nam Memorial Wall.996 South Broadway, T or C.575-470-7111Truth or Consequences Hot Springs. Indoor tubs,bath houses and saunas. 575-894-6600 www.spa-town.com
RED HAVEN MOTELNostalgic / Best Value!1940’s service with free big city amenities!
605 N. Date St.T or C, NM
575.894.2964 www.RedHavenMotel.com
Paid with City of Truth or Consequences lodgers tax funds
Paid with City of Truth or Consequences lodgers tax funds
GERONIMO TRAIL NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYencompasses some of the mostspectacular beauty in the Southwest. Old mining towns, museums, art galleriesand outdoor activities abound.
211 Main St. - T or C, NM575.894.1968800.831.9487www.geronimotrail.com
SIERRA GRANDELODGE & SPA
A desert sanctuary to delight the senses and rejuvenate the spirit.
On the National Register of Historic Places.
Offering delightful accommodations, rejuvenating spa treatments and private hot spring baths
in an unparalleled atmosphere. Located in the center or town
with a conference center. The Perfect Destination!
501 McAdoo - T or C, NM575.894.6976
www.sierragrandelodge.com
T
SIERRA COUNTY EVENTSMay 1-3 60th Annual Fiesta. 575-894-6600Jul 4 Fireworks Display at Elephant
Butte Lake St. Park 575-744-5923Sep 12-13 Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta
575-744-5923Sept 27 Elephant Man Triathalon 575-744-5923Oct 3-4 Elephant Butte Celebration
575-744-5923Oct 9-11 Sierra Co. Fair, Sierra Co. Fairgrounds
T or C 575-894-2375Oct 23-25 New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers State
Championship 575-744-4016Nov 14 Hot Springs Birthday Celebration
575-740-3902Dec 5 Hillsboro Christmas in the Foothills
575-895-5797Dec 11 Truth or Consequences Old Fashioned
Christmas 575-740-3902Dec 12 Luminaria Beachwalk and Floating
Parade of Lights Elephant Butte Lake State Park 575-744-5923
Apr 30-May 2, 2010 61st Ann Truth or Conse-quences Fiesta 575-894-6600
May 14, 2010 Hillsboro Heritage Day and Music Festival 575-895-5385
For more information on the above events call theSierra County Visitor Center at 800-831-9487 orvisit www.sierracountynewmexico.info
LOCATIONTruth or Consequences sits between I-25 andthe Rio Grande, atop hot springs generouslyfeeding local bathhouses and spas
TOUR ROUTE From Truth or Consequences, proceed fivemiles north to the City of Elephant Butte.
MORE INFORMATION Sierra County Visitors Information (575) 894-6600www.sierracountynewmexico.infowww.sierracounty.net/index.htmTruth or Consequences/Sierra CountyChamber of Commerce (575) 894-3536www.truthorconsequencesnm.netGeronimo Trail National Scenic Byway Visitor’sCenter (575) 894-1968 or 1(800) 831-9487
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It’s not just the hot springs that draw visi-tors to Truth or Consequences. A growingcommunity of artists has turned downtownstorefronts into galleries, boutiques and sec-ond hand stores. On the second Saturday ofevery month, over 20 shops open their doorsfrom 6-9 pm for the downtown gallery dis-trict Art Hop. Natural wonders abound inthe area. The birding in and around Truth orConsequences is renowned. Hiking, moun-tain biking, and water sports are all “adven-ture sports” that visitors can experience inTruth or Consequences and throughoutSierra County.
If history is what brings you to Old WestCountry, the Geronimo Springs Museumand Geronimo Trail Visitors andInterpretive Center take visitors on an his-toric journey of the area. For an up closeand personal look at history, day trips tothe historic mining towns of Cuchillo,Winston, Chloride, Hillsboro andKingston offer visitors a step back in time.
Minin�HISTORIC
TOWNS
below: old courthouse inHillsboro. above, from left:school house museum atLake Valley, undergroundmining operation near Han-over, Kelly Mine works nearMagdalena, old ore car atChloride, Fort Cobre in PinosAltos, assay office in Kingston,general store in Mogollon.
A number of the towns that the mining industrybuilt in its heyday remain today in Old WestCountry, but the ringing of double-jack hammersand the roar of black powder are sounds that havefaded from the foothills. Several of the towns are stilllightly inhabited, have become repopulated or arepresently managed by government agencies. All ofthem played a role in creating the wealth of OldWest Country and the nation.
The towns of Winston, Chloride, Lake Valley,Hillsboro and Kingston are historic mining townsforming an informative day trip from the Truth orConsequences area. The mining villages of PinosAltos and Fierro are accessed from Silver City. Thescenic mining community of Mogollon is accessiblefrom Glenwood and Kelly is near Magdalena.
CHLORIDE Mineral: Silver. ThePioneer Store has been turnedinto a world-class museum, andthe Monte Cristo Saloon is nowan upscale gallery.
FIERRO Mineral: Copper, Ironand Zinc. The first copper minewas established by a Germanimmigrant in 1841. A small pop-ulation remains today.
HILLSBORO Mineral: Gold. Postoffice opened in 1879 and hasnever closed. Served as countyseat for 54 years. Over 200 resi-dents remain in the village.
KINGSTON Mineral: Silver.Founded in 1882, the popula-tion peaked at 7000. Remainingbuildings include assay office,Percha Bank and Victorio Hotel.
LAKE VALLEY Mineral: Silver.Managed by the Bureau ofLand Management (BLM). TheBridal Chamber, a legendarylarge deposit of almost pure sil-ver, was discovered here.
KELLY Mineral: Lead, Copper,Zinc and Silver. A small church,several ruins and foundationsand remnants of the mine worksremain as testimony to theonce-bustling town located justsouth of Magdalena.
MOGOLLON Mineral: Gold andSilver. Located on the northernedge of the Gila Wildernessnear Glenwood, its preciousmetal bullion was once hauledto Silver City by mule teams.
PINOS ALTOS Mineral: Gold.Named for the tall trees in thearea. Village merchants accept-ed gold dust in trade well intothe 20th century.
WINSTON Mineral: Silver.Originally called Fairview, it washome to about 200 people whopreferred the quieter town overnearby rambunctious Chloride.
OW9OLD WEST COUNTRY TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
he City of Elephant Butte, spread across a hillside overlooking New Mexico’s largest lake,is a growing resort and retirement community. It offers RV facilities, restaurants, hotels and
motels, guide services, marinas and watercraft rentals.Elephant Butte Lake is around forty miles long with nearly 200 miles of shore-
line, It is the state’s premier water sports destination, attracting almost a million visitorsannually. The clean, sandy beaches are ideal for swimming and camping and the lake offers all
manner of boating, water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing and even parasailing. For anglers, thewaters are stocked with many species of game fish, including walleye, white, black and large-mouth bass; crappie and record-setting stripers. Land-based recreational activities include hiking,birding and special events throughout the year.
Each September, the city sponsors the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta which features hot airballoons, skydivers and drag boats from across the country. An exciting nighttime special event isthe Beach Walk Luminaria Festival and Lighted Boat Parade held annually at Christmas. Theoccasion dazzles the eye with thousands of luminaries lining a specially designed path on the beach. Along theway, campfires, live music and food provided by local vendors warm both body and soul. The celebration alsoincludes a parade of illuminated boats, ending with prizes awarded for the most amusingly or elaborately dec-orated watercraft or RV.
this page: Marinason Elephant ButteLake, New Mexico’slargest, provide thefocal points for a hugearray of water sportingactivities. opposite,top: Elephant ButteLake is New Mexico’swater playground ofthe desert southwest.opposite, bottom:Championship golfingin Elephant Butteranks among thestate’s best golfingexperiences.
CITY�� ELEPHANT BUTTESIERRA COUNTY
T
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW10
OW11OLD WEST COUNTRY ELEPHANT BUTTE
The Elephant Butte Lake State ParkVisitor Center will interest rockhounds withits fossil and geologic exhibits. Fans of engi-neering and history will enjoy the story ofthe early 20th century construction of thedam that created the lake, which is named
for an extinct volcano that is now an islandlandmark in the reservoir.
LOCATION The City of Elephant Butte is located just off I-25, on the edge of New Mexico’s largest recreational lake.
TOUR Rejoin I-25 and travel north 68 miles pastCamino Real International Heritage Center to Socorro.
MORE INFORMATIONElephant Butte Chamber of Commerce (575) 744-4708www.elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.cominfo@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE MARINASDam Site Marina - www.thedamsite.com, 575-894-2041, Birdwatching Boat Tours/Field Trips, Cabins, Lodge, Store, Beer.
Dam Site Restaurant - 575-894-2073, Lunch, Dinner, Bar.Marina del Sur - www.marinadelsur.info, 575-744-5567, Boat Rentals-Pontoon/Ski/Water Toys, Store, Gas, Ice.
Rock Canyon Marina - rockcanyonmarina.com, 575-744-5462, Aqualodges, Pontoon Boat Rentals, Overnite Slips, Store.
Service Center - 575-744-4416, Boat Repair, Mechanic.
ELEPHANT BUTTEINN AND SPA
"An Enchanting Retreat from the Ordinary"
• Lakeview Rooms
• Full Service Spa & Salon
• Golf & Spa Packages
• Boat Rental Packages
• Ivory Tusk Tavern & Restaurant
• Conference Facilities
• Free Wi-Fi
• Heated Outdoor Pool (Seasonal)
401 Highway 195 | Elephant Butte, NM575.744.5431 | www.ElephantButteInn.com
ELEPHANT BUTTECHAMBER OF COMMERCE“New Mexico’s Diamond in the Desert”
Elephant Butte is the premiere recreation destination inthe state of New Mexico. Nestled along the shores ofthe largest lake in the state, the city of Elephant Butteoffers year-round sunshine and a comfortable climate.
“Elephant Butte-Stay and Play!”
608 Highway 195 | Elephant Butte575.744.4708 • 877.744.4900www.ElephantButteChamberOfCommerce.cominfo@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW12
ATTRACTIONSBosque del Apache National WildlifeRefuge. Visitor center, auto tour, hiking andyear-round birding. 16 miles south ofSocorro. 575-838-2120. www.friendsofthebosque.org Cibola National Forest–Magdalena Dist.Made up of the largest collection of historicranchlands in New Mexico. 575-854-2281El Camino Real International HeritageCenter. 575-854-3600Mineralogical Museum. More than 9,500mineral specimens. Fossils. 575-835-5420.www.geoinfo.nmt.edu
NM Institute of Mining and Technology. 801 Leroy Pl., on campus, 1-800-428-8324N.M. Performing Arts Series. Call for schedule. 575-835-5688.www.nmt.edu/~pas/
Plains of San Agustin. The largest and highest grasslands in North America. 866-854-3217
Old Kelly Mine. Mine ruins and many wonderful specimens for rockhounds. 3 miles south of Magdalena. 866-854-3217 www.magdalena-nm.com
Trinity Site. Site of world’s first atomicbomb explosion. Open twice a year; the firstSaturday in April and Oct.. 575-479-6124The Boxcar Museum. Local history, arti-facts of Wild West, mining, cattle drives,circa 1885-1930. Located next to AT&SFRailroad Depot. 108 N. Main St. Magdalena 575-854-2261 www.magdalena-nm.comVery Large Array National RadioAstronomy Observatory. Visitor center, self-guided tours, world’s largest radio-tele-scope array on the Plains of San Agustin. 575-835-7000. www.nrao.ed
outing a unique blend of nature, history and technology, Socorro is internationallyrenowned for the migratory bird facilities at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife
Refuge, its San Miguel Parish serving weary travelers on El Camino Real since 1615 andits immense role with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. A notable destination forgolfers, rockhounds, nature photographers, campers and hikers, the town offers unique expe-riences found within an hour’s drive in all directions.
At the center of town, the plaza offers a relaxing venue for initiating your adventure and alittle shopping for hard to please friends. A block away is the historic San Miguel church, a cen-ter of activity for centuries. A few blocks further is New Mexico Institute of Mining andTechnology. The campus includes a mineral museum containing one of the world’s finest min-eral collections, a lush golf course and facilities for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
From Socorro, visitors can travel west through Magdalena, a historic mining, cattle and rail-road town, before emerging onto the high Plains of San Agustin and the Very Large ArrayRadio Telescope. At the VLA visitor center, one learns how 27 antenna dishes, each 82 feet indiameter can be positioned along three thirteen-mile intersecting stretches of track, can operateas a single unit. VLA data from deep space is processed at the Socorro facility as well as data recov-ered from the Very Long Baseline Array, a series of ten clusters of radio telescopes stretching fromthe Virgin Islands to Hawaii.
SOCORROSOCORRO COUNTY
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OW13OLD WEST COUNTRY SOCORRO
Traveling south from Socorro and exitingat the village of San Antonio, the 1880s siteof the first Hilton Hotel, visitors can worktheir way south to the Bosque del ApacheNational Wildlife Refuge. Home to a vari-ety of wildlife year-round, the 57,000-acrerefuge is also a feeding and resting point forthousands of migratory birds comprising377 identified species, including baldeagles, snow geese and sandhill cranes. Eachyear in late autumn, people from around the
this page: Sandhill cranes stroll through the man-made marshes of Bosque del Apache NationalWildlife Refuge. inset: The Very Large Array ofradio telescopes, west of Socorro, collects spacechatter from across the universe. opposite, top:The plaza of Socorro forms the community’sactivities and business hub. bottom: San MiguelMission was first established by Spanish colonistsin the late 1600s and rebuilt in 1816.
SOCORRO COUNTY EVENTSApr 18-19 Tour of Socorro Mountain Bike Race
575-350-4116Jun 6 Spring Fiesta 11am-4pm 575-854-3600Oct 9-10 Socorro Fest. Historic Plaza
575-835-8927 www.socorrofest.comOct 14-17 Enchanted Skies Star Party.
575-835-8927Nov 17-22 Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del
Apache Refuge. 575-835-2007www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane
For more information on any of the above eventsplease call the Socorro Visitor Center at 575-835-8927 or visit www.socorronm.gov
LOCATION Socorro is located at the junction of I-25 andUS60, the rest stop for historic travelers andmigratory birds.
TOUR ROUTE Travel 27 miles west on US60 to the Village ofMagdalena, “the Trail’s End,” and the mountainghost town of Kelly.
MORE INFORMATIONSocorro Heritage and Visitor Center(575) 835-8927 www.socorronm.gov
Timeless discovery...
Birding Events & Wildlife Refuges
Ancient Ruins & Historic Sites
Performance Arts & Fine Art Galleries
Historic Re-enactments & Walking Tours
Observatories & Star Parties
Forts & Ghost Towns
The BEST Green Chile
Gem & Mineral Museum
Extensive Hiking & Biking Trails
New Mexico Tech Public Golf Course
Outdoor Recreation Areas & Hunting Opportunities
world come to watch the grand spectacle asbirds arrive at the shallow marshlands anddepart again in huge flocks that resembleclouds blocking the sun. One need not be adevoted birding enthusiast to enjoy the occa-sion or the area. Hikers appreciate the naturetrails one to nine miles in length, which offerfantastic opportunities for viewing and pho-tographing wildlife. A 12-mile auto tour loopgives visitors an overview of the beauty of therefuge, and the Bosque Nature Store – abookstore and gift shop – is open all year.
History fans will want to travel another 20miles southward to visit El Camino RealInternational Heritage Center and the nearbyruins of Fort Craig, one of the largest forts of
the Old West era. The site also includes asmall museum.
Northeast of Socorro are the Salinas PuebloMissions National Monument, impressiveremnants of Spanish colonization efforts.
Socorro is the hub for a number of otheroutdoor destinations and recreational areasincluding Box Canyon, Escondida Lake Park,San Lorenzo Canyon, Water CanyonCampground and the QuebradasBackcountry Scenic Byway.
above: The golf course on the campus of NewMexico Institute of Mining and Technology is theexercise connection for both the community and itsvisitors. opposite: Kelly Church, built in the late1800s is still utilized for special functions near thevillage of Magdalena.
For Reservations Call:
800-4-Motel 6 or
(800-466-8356)
807 South US Highway 85 • Socorro, New Mexico 87801575-835-4300 • Fax: 575-835-3108
www.Motel6.com
A Unique Selection of Gifts for All Reasons & Seasons.• Native American and Native New Mexican Arts & Crafts
• Mexican Arts & Crafts• Pottery and Ceramic Art• Desert Garden Chili & Spices• Indian Jewelry & Custom Jewelry• Books & Cards• ImportsMon.-Sat. 9am to 5:30pm
575.835.2498116-118 Plaza, Socorro, NM
Old West Trails is now online!
www.ziapublishing.com
itting on high grassy plains that fan out below 10,800-foot SouthBaldy Peak, just minutes away from the drop-off into the Rio Grande
Valley, the picturesque village of Magdalena celebrates its ties to the artsand to the Old West. Serving the Alamo Navajo people and the descendants
of cattle barons, railroaders and hard rock miners, the village has added a branch to itsfamily tree that welcomes the high-tech participants of the nearby Very Large Array.
Galleries and shops occupying historic buildings are part of the makeup of this smallcommunity. Local and non-local artwork and cowboy art can be found as well as rusticand Southwest furniture, handcrafted Navajo jewelry and lots of collectables. A slice ofhistory can be witnessed in the “Box Car Museum” and the restored Santa Fe RailroadDepot serves as the Magdalena Village offices. The “good ole days” are relived at the annu-al three-day Magdalena Old Timers Reunion held in July.
Known as the “Trails End,” Magdalena was the termination of a railroad spur extend-ed from the east in 1885 and the 125-mile “Stock Driveway” from the west. Usage of thecattle trail peaked in 1919 when 150,000 sheep and 21,000 cattle entered the still-intactMagdalena stockyards. The era was rich with the tales of pioneer families, main streetshoot-outs, John Wayne-style cattle drives and mining activities.
The nearby mining ghost town of Kelly was home to about 3000 people during its pros-perous late-1800s heyday. A small, whitewashed church, foundations, remnants of min-ing activities and a graveyard are all that remain. A visitor permit is required.
Twenty miles to the west is the VeryLarge Array Radio Telescope. Operated bythe National Radio AstronomyObservatory, a visitor center explains thesite’s role in mapping the universe.
MAGDALENASOCORRO COUNTY
EVENTSMar 14 Decorate an Egg Workshop Bear Mountain
Coffee House 575-854-3310 21 Music Jam Bear Mountain Coffee House
575-854-3310Apr 4 Hot Dog Roast & Kids Games (Win a free
Easter chick & other Prizes) MagdalenaFeed Co. 575-854-3253
3, 4, 5, Egg Show Exhibit, Bear Mountain Gallery &10-12,17-19 Route 60. Reception April 4. 575-854-3310
7 NM Symphony Orchestra (WoodwindQuartet) Magdalena School 2:45pm, 575-854-8006
May 2 Student Art Contest Judging & ReceptionBear Mountain Gallery. Student Art onDisplay through May 20th. 575-854-3310
8 BBQ w/Live Music (Fundraiser for SteeleChicks & Music Scholarships) MagdalenaHall Apartments 575-854-2040
Jun 6 Magdalena Arts Festival & Studio Tour 1-866-854-3217
Jul 10-12 Old Timers Reunion, Rodeo, Pancake Breakfast, Arts & Crafts, BBQ, Music and much more. 575-401-4352
Jul 10-12 “The Ballad of Babe & Beau.” London 18-19 Frontier Theatre Co. 575-854-2519
Sep 19 Magdalena Steel Music Festival 575-854-2040
Oct 23-25, “And None Rode Away: the Black Canyon 31-Nov 1 Legend. London Frontier Theatre Co.
575-854-2519Dec 11-13 “The Trail of Lonesome Tree: a Lost Wife
Creek Christmas” London Frontier Theatre Co. 575-854-2519
Dec 19 Santa and DanceMonthly 1st Saturday Dance with Live Music
LOCATION Magdalena is located on US60 between Socorro and the Very Large Array.
TOURTravel west on US60 through the Very LargeArray, turning west on NM12 to Reserve, a total of 101 miles.
MORE INFORMATIONMagdalena Chamber of Commerce 1(866) 854-3217 www.magdalena-nm.comemail: [email protected]
S
OW15OLD WEST COUNTRY MAGDALENA
hree nationalforests, including
Gila, Apache andCibola share borders
within Catron County,New Mexico’s largest
political entity. The county is asparsely populated land of mountainlakes, hiking trails and Elfego Baca.Snow Lake on the edge of the GilaWilderness area and Quemado Lakejust south of Quemado are excellenttrout waters where only electric boatmotors are allowed. Snow Lake isaccessed by well-maintained dirtroads in the warmer months fromeither Glenwood or Reserve.Quemado Lake can be accessed fromNM32 that connects US60 to thenorth and NM12 to the south.
Reserve, the county seat, is the sitewhere a 19 year old, self-appointedlawman, Elfego Baca, endured a 33-hour shootout in 1884 againstincredible odds to resolve the abuseof local residents. A bronze statuenow commemorates the incident.
Glenwood on US 180 is the hubfor the Catwalk National RecreationTrail and the ghost town ofMogollon. The Catwalk consists of apicnic area shaded by large cotton-wood trees and a narrow canyonwith metal walkways clinging to thebluffs. The catwalks originally sup-ported water pipes for gold miningoperations. The trail continues deep
TPh
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OW16 OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
ATTRACTIONSAlma. Historic community 7 miles north ofGlenwood.The Catwalk. Trail over suspended bridgesin Whitewater Canyon 5 miles east ofGlenwood. 575-539-2711. Clairmont. Ghost town 19 miles northeastof Glenwood. 575-533-6922Cooney’s Tomb. Alma, 7 miles north ofGlenwood. Burial of soldiers killed in a con-flict with Apaches.
Mogollon. Ghost town 13 miles northeastof Glenwood.Snow Lake. In the Gila National Forest.Camping and fishing. 47 miles northeast ofGlenwood.Quemado Lake. Camping and fishing, 11 miles south of Quemado.Whitewater Canyon. 5 miles east ofGlenwood. 575-539-2711WS Cemetery. WS Ranch B & B, Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. 575-539-2513
this page: The spirit of legendary lawmanElfego Baca is portrayed in bronze at thehighway crossroads in Reserve. inset:Whitewater Creek swirls and crashesthrough boulders along Catwalk NationalRecreation Trail by Glenwood. opposite,top: Catron County is a land of endlessforests, mountain lakes and wildernessvistas. right: Above Alma, the tomb ofgold prospector James Cooney, killed in1880 by Apaches is a reminder of thehardships faced by early settlers.
RESERVE & GLENWOODCATRON COUNTY
into the Gila Wilderness for hearty hikersand horseback excursions. Fly fishingWhitewater Creek is both challenging andrewarding. The Glenwood Ranger Districtalone maintains over 322 miles of hikingtrails. Glenwood also has a state fish hatch-ery that is exciting for youngsters andgrownups alike.
The narrow, winding road fromGlenwood to the gold mining ghost town ofMogollon is well worth the patient drive. Anumber of buildings still occupy the bot-tom of a picturesque narrow canyon.
At the east end of Catron County, DatilWell National Recreation Area providescampsites and hiking trails. NearbyEnchanted Tower attracts rock climbers.
Phot
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Sut
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EVENTSFeb Glenwood Park Barrel Race and
Pot Blessing. 575-539-2321Mar Dutch Oven Cook-Off in Glenwood
Park. 575-539-2321 Jul July 4th Celebration in Glenwood.
575-539-2711 Jul July 4th Celebration in Quemado and
Reserve. 575-533-6968Jul Frisco CowBelles’ Annual Western
Art Auction, Dance and Barbeque in Glenwood. 575-539-2711
Jul Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo. 575-533-6968
Aug Catron County Fair and Rodeo in Reserve. 575-533-6968
Sep Pie Town Pie Festival. 575-772-2525
LOCATION Reserve is located at the junction of NM 12and the San Francisco River.
TOUR From Reserve, proceed west on NM12 sevenmiles to US180 and turn south thirty miles toGlenwood and another 60 miles southeast toSilver City.
MORE INFORMATIONCatron County Chamber (575) 533-6968www.catroncounty.org
Family Owned and Operated.• Restaurant • Fuel• Groceries • Ice• Video RentalsOpen 7 Days a Week. Restaurant Open Daily 6am to 3pmBreakfast Served All Day! Mexican and American dishes. See our collection of antique photos and western memorabilia.
HC 61 Box 169, Alma, NM • 575.539.CAFE (2233)
Serving Catron and Grant Counties.
Homemaker Services.
Glenwood Off ice: 575.539.2227Silver City Off ice: 575.534.0311
Take an ExcitingDude Ranch
Vacation with us!
• 12 Newly Remodeled Cabins • Swimming Pool• Fishing Pond • Bird Watching
PO Box 225, Glenwood, NM • 888.539.2213www.thelosolmosranch.com
100% Natural HerbalSkin Care ProductsDenise Tracy-Cowan,
Founder andClinical Herbologist
•Pure Herbal Comfort •Highest Quality IngredientsProduced in The Land of Enchantment with earth-friendly packaging.
HC 61, Box 300, Mogollon, NM1 .888 . 9 LOTION • www.SuperSalve.com
Relax and enjoy vacationingin the heart of Glenwood.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and forests.
• Dish Network • Air Conditioning• Fantastic Views • Spacious Backyard
PO Box 158 • Glenwood, NM 88039575.539. 2581 • www.gi l anet .com/whitewatermote l
Alma Store & Grill
Angelwings Coordinated Care LLC.& Angelwings Home Care
Super Salve Co.
Catron County Chamber of Commerce575 . 5 3 3 .6968 • www.Cat ronCounty.org
Los Olmos Ranch
Whitewater Motel
Say goodbye to dry skin!
Our natural goat milk soaps, lotions and creamswill leave your skin feeling soft, supple, nourished, and moisturized.
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 9-5
5121 Highway 180 • Glenwood, NM 880391 .877.833 .3740
www.udderde l ight .com
Udder Delight
New Construction
Adobe Homes
Metal Roofing
Kenny Sutton, Licensed Contractor
Glenwood, New Mexico575.539. 2584 • 505.469. 156 1
t re s am i gos@wi l d b l u e . n e t
Tres Amigos Enterprises Inc.
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW18
SILVER CITYGRANT COUNTY
f you believe that numbers talk, Silver City should top yourvacation or relocation considerations. There are three million
acres of forest and wilderness covering the city’s back yard, criss-crossed by 1500 miles of trails. Three hundred ten species of birds have
been identified in the region. Thirty art galleries are bursting with friendly, smalltown atmosphere and you won’t find better year-round temperature fig-ures…anywhere.
The question may become, can you handle it? Can you walk through the his-toric downtown district without falling in love with every piece of art you see?Can you handle opening a new office knowing that mild, sun-drenched weatherwill be enticing you daily to escape to your favorite fishing lake, another roundof golf or simply your backyard garden?
ATTRACTIONSBig Ditch Park. Park formed whenflood lowered Main St. 55 feet.
Fort Bayard. U.S. Infantry post builtin 1863. Housed Buffalo Soldiers.10 miles east of Silver City.
Gila National Forest/Silver CityRanger District. 3005 E. Caminodel Bosque. 575-388-8201.www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila
Kneeling Nun. Natural monolithresembling a praying nun. 15 mi. E. of Silver City at Santa Rita mine.
Mimbres Region Arts Council.Scheduled events held throughoutthe year. 575-758-7289.www.mimbresarts.org
Royal Scepter Mineral Museum.Rock shop, jewelry and gifts. 1805 Little Walnut. 575-538-9001.www.RoyalScepter.com
San Vicente Art Walks. Self-guidedgallery and studio tour within walk-ing distance in downtown SilverCity. Call for map. 1-800-548-9378
Silver City Museum. Area history,Indian artifacts, mining exhibits andVictorian furnishings. 312 W. Broadway. 575-388-5721. www.silvercitymuseum.org
Western New Mexico UniversityMuseum. Local and natural historyincluding the Eisele Collection ofPrehistoric Southwestern Potteryand Artifacts, the world’s largestpermanent exhibit of Mimbres pot-tery. 1000 W. College. 575-538-6386. www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.html
Bill Evans Lake. Fishing and primitive camping, 12 miles south of Cliff.
Aldo Leopold Vista. Picnic andwilderness interpretive site, 6 miles north of Buckhorn.
Turkey Creek. Primitive trout stream northeast of Gila, NM.Gila Cliff Dwellings NationalMonument. Cliff dwelling ruins from the 13th century. 44 milesnorth of Silver City. 575-536-9461
I
GRANT COUNTY EVENTSJan 16-19 Red Paint PowWow & Indian Market
575-534-1379 Feb 7 Chocolate Fantasia 575-538-2505Apr 29-May 3 23st Annual Tour of the Gila
575-538-3785 www.tourofthegila.com
May 22-25 Silver City Blues Festival 575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org
May 27-30 Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo. 575-538-3785
Jun TBA 10th Annual Pinos Altos Art Fair. 575-388-5202
Jul 4 4th of July Celebrations. 575-538-3785
Sep 5-6 San Vicente Art Fair575-534-4269 [email protected]
Sep TBA Cliff, Gila and Grant County Fair. 575-538-3785
Oct TBA Pinos Altos October Fiesta. 575-538-5560
Oct 3 Taste Of Downtown. 575-534-1700 [email protected]
Oct 9-12 Weekend at the Galleries. 575-538-2505
Nov 28 19th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. 575-534-1700
LOCATION Silver City is located at the junction of US180and NM90, on the Continental Divide and thesouthern edge of the Gila National Forest.
TOUR Travel east on US180 eleven miles past historic Fort Bayard to the mining towns of Bayard and Hurley.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber ofCommerce (575) 538-3785 1(800) 548-9378 www.silvercity.orgMimbres Region Arts Council (575) 538-25051(888) 758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org
Lake Roberts. Camping, troutfishing, hummingbird banding, birding and stargazing. 28 milesnorth of Silver City. 575-536-3206
Lightfeather Hot Spring. NearGila Cliff Dwellings VisitorCenter. 30 minute walk includes2 river crossings. 575-536-9461
Trail of the Mountain SpiritsNational Scenic Byway. Loopsnorth on NM15 to Gila CliffDwellings Nat’l. Monument,
southeast on NM35, and weston NM152 and US180.Hearst Church. Seasonal muse-um and art gallery. Built in 1898with Hearst newspaper empiremoney. In Pinos Altos, 6 milesnorth of Silver City.Pinos Altos MelodramaTheater. Adjacent to theBuckhorn Saloon in the PinosAltos Opera House. Great fun!Original melodramas. Call forschedule. 575-388-3848
opposite: At the corner of Bullard and Broadway,the Old West ambiance of Silver City's historicdowntown district stirs the imagination and kindlesthe attraction to a lifestyle that has preserved thebest of previous eras. inset: Surrounded byscenic forest and wilderness areas, the Gila CliffDwellings National Monument offers a glimpseinto a culture that disappeared in the late 1200s.The dwellings and visitor center are one of thehighlights along the Trail of the Mountain SpiritsNational Scenic Byway.
OW19OLD WEST COUNTRY SILVER CITY
Looking back, the Mogollon culture wasenjoying this climate some 800 years agoand the Mimbres people were developingcreative images. Today, you can drive to theprotected remains of their civilization at theGila Cliff Dwellings National Monument orsimply visit area museums to learn aboutthis hearty people who left behind a wealthof ingenious artwork. Centuries later, theApache chief Geronimo was born near theheadwaters of the Gila River and is recog-nized by a monument erected at the cliffdwellings visitor center.
In Silver City, bicycles rule with cyclistsenjoying designated rights of way in certainareas. Mountain bikers can traverse miles offorest trails or road bikers can get really seri-ous and participate in the annual sanc-tioned Tour of the Gila 5-day stage race
June Decker,Associate BrokerUnited Country Mimbres Realty414 N. Bullard, in “HistoricDowntown” Silver City575.538.3789877.827.9198cell – [email protected]“My goal is for you to be pleased withyour real estate experience.”
Western New MexicoUniversity MuseumWNMU houses the largestpermanent display of Mimbrespottery & culture in the world.FREE AdmissionOpen Daily/Closed University HolidaysMon-Fri 9 to 4:30 • Sat. & Sun.10 to 4
312 W. BroadwaySilver City, NM575.388.5721silvercitymuseum.org
Mary KjosAssociate BrokerUnited Country Mimbres Realty 414 N. Bullard, in “HistoricDowntown” Silver City575.537.7988800.827.9198cell – [email protected]“High-energy and caring professional whotreats customers with respect.”
United CountryMimbres Realty, Inc.“No One Knows the CountryLike We Do!”
OPEN WEEKENDS!
Office in "Historic Downtown"Silver City414 North Bullard StreetSilver City, NM 88061575.534.4616877.646.2737Rodeo Office199 Highway 80Rodeo, NM 88056575.557.1244Property Management575.313.3208www.MimbresRealty.comwww.UnitedCountry.com/SilverCityNM
The Palace HotelCelebrating 109 Years
Located in the downtown
historic district.
Reminiscent of a small hotel in
the European Tradition.
• Affordable Rates
• 18 Rooms & Suites
• Continental Breakfast
106 W. Broadway,Silver City, NM 88061
575.388.1811www.zianet.com/palacehotel
Silver City Museum StoreExcellent Southwest BookSelection & Regional Gifts
Tuesday-Friday 9:00 to 4:30Saturday-Sunday 10:00 to 4:00Closed Monday.
312 W. BroadwaySilver City, NM575.388.5721silvercitymuseum.org
Georgia Bearup,Qualifying Broker/OwnerUnited Country Mimbres Realty414 N. Bullard, in “HistoricDowntown” Silver City575.538.3789800.827.9198cell – [email protected] ONE KNOWS THE COUNTRY LIKE WE DO!!
Cissy McAndrew,Associate & EcoBroker®, e-PROUnited Country Mimbres Realty414 N. Bullard, in “HistoricDowntown” Silver City575.538.1337800.827.9198Cissy@MimbresRealty.comwww.SilverCityTour.comFormer Chamber of Commerce Director.Personal community tours available 7 days a week.OW20 OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
OW21OLD WEST COUNTRY SILVER CITY
above: The colorful Yankie/Texas Streetintersection is the hub of Silver City’s historicdowntown art district.
through Silver City and surrounding moun-tains roadways. A host of international par-ticipants keep the competition keen.
For photographers, and we are all photog-raphers, it gets no better than the Trail of theMountain Spirits National Scenic Byway.Lakes and streams, an 1800s gold miningcamp, prehistoric dwellings, a missionchurch, a serene farming valley, major his-toric and current mining operations, a fortthat utilized the famed Buffalo Soldiers andscenic vistas encompassing the rugged beau-ty of the nation’s first wilderness provide thesubject matter for a whole album or a seriesof albums, if you return often.
There are over 20 designated birding areas
Nobody sells more Real Estate than
Nobody sells more Real Estate than
314 E. 14th StreetP.O. Box 1477Silver City, NM 88062
575.538.3847 • 800.716.3847www.realestatesilvercitynm.com
Silver Advantage
Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results
#1 Selling Office in 2008!
Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results
#1 Selling Office in 2008!
• Native American Jewelry, Pottery & Folk Art• "Spanish Primitive" & Antique Furniture• Fine Art & Art Glass • Rugs & Textiles
Fine Art & Furnishings
575-388-4426305 & 307 N. Bullard St. • Silver City, NM
OW22
above: A footbridge across Big Ditch Parkleads from the visitor center to the heart of thehistoric downtown business district of Silver City.
surrounding Silver City that include avery diverse range of habitat conditions.The Lake Roberts area hosts an annual hummingbird festival and providesbanding demonstrations for the 10species that have been identified duringthe warmer months.
Silver City itself consists of an intriguingcollection of Victorian homes and a his-toric business district that includesrestaurants and coffee shops, galleries,day spas, specialty shops and two highlyinformative museums. Western NewMexico University adds an important
cultural dimension to the community asdoes an energetic arts council.
Major events, in addition to the Tourof the Gila, include the renowned SilverCity Blues Festival, the Wild Wild WestPro Rodeo, Weekend at the Galleries andthe Red Paint PowWow.
Another important number for theadventuresome individual who is knownto exit the confines of interstate travel is800-548-9378. There is help for those stillcontemplating their vacation destinationor more importantly, the objectives forthe rest of their lives.
TimberlandConstruction Inc.Exclusive Designs.
Land/Home PackagesAvailable in Dos Griegos and Pine Ridge Subdivisions.
Nationally Backed HomeOwners Warranty is provided with eachnew home we build.
Silver City, NM575.313.5140888.217.7962ernie@timberlandconstruction.comwww.timberlandconstruction.com Building in Grant County Since 1997
PrudentialSilver City Properties120 E. 11th StreetSilver City, NM 88061
Toll-free 866.538.0404Office 575.538.0404
Gila House HotelDowntown Bed & Breakfast
Gallery 400In the heart of Silver City's HistoricDistrict within walking distance torestaurants, galleries, museums,coffee houses and nightlife.
400 N. ArizonaSilver City, NM • 575.313.7015www.gilahouse.com
Mimbres RegionArts Council• Performance Series
• Pickamania! September 11-13
• Silver City Blues Festival-Memorial Day Weekend
• Weekend at the GalleriesColumbus Day Weekend
888.758.7289 • 575.538.2505www.MimbresArts.org
Mountain AirProductionsProviding digital audio recording,production services & performancespace for the performing arts.
Located in Historic DowntownSilver City. Serving clientsworldwide
214-A West Yankie Street Silver City, NM • 575.956.5269www.mountainairstudio.com
Art & ConversationYada Yada Yarn614 N. Bullard St.
575.388.3350artandconversation.com
Elemental Arts575.590.7554
www.gourdweb.com
Lois Duffy Art575.313.9631
www.loisduffy.com
Seedboat Gallery575.534.1136
seedboatgallery.com
Yello on Yankie575.534.4968
Two Spirit Gallery311 N. Bullard575.956.8397
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
BAYARD & HURLEYGRANT COUNTY
he Town of Bayard has historically served the work forces of thestate’s richest mining region. Today, much of the mining has stopped
or significantly slowed, but generations of mining families still live andconduct business and services in the area. Head frames from past under-
ground mining operations can be seen as one travels north on NM356 fromBayard. Turning east on NM152, visitors can overlook the massive open pit mining opera-tion at Santa Rita, where copper has been mined since the 1800s.
Hurley served as the management center for the largest of the area mines, as well as the loca-tion for copper smelting operations. Some work continues but smelting has ceased and all evi-dence of that era has disappeared. Infant Jesus Catholic Church is one of the prominent sightsof Hurley, as well as the old company store, which is now a distinguished art gallery.
The historic jewel of the area is Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark, NationalCemetery and state game reserve. Well-preserved offi-cer’s quarters and a statue of a Buffalo Soldieron the parade grounds are the backdropsfor annual reenactments of the 1800scavalry era. The state hospital locatedon thegroundsisbeingreplaced bya sprawlingnew facility nearthe entrance.
A bronze sculp-ture on the parade grounds ofFort Bayard National Historic Landmark portraythe Buffalo Soldiers, as they were called by theApaches, stationed there in the late 1800s.
T
OW23OLD WEST COUNTRY BAYARD & HURLEY
Funded by Silver City Lodger's Tax
The Town of Hurley, founded in 1910, will be celebrating 100years in 2010. Enjoy the Kneeling Nun scenic vista(pictured above) surrounded by rock-faced mountains.
welcomes you to our mining district cities of Hurley, Bayard &Santa Clara.
The Town of Hurley, founded in 1910, will be celebrating 100years in 2010. Enjoy the Kneeling Nun scenic vista(pictured above) surrounded by rock-faced mountains.
575.538.3785www.silvercity.org
201 N. Hudson St.Silver City, NM 88061
Fine Art • Western Art • Bronze SculptureCustom Picture Framing
Restorations • Art Workshops Gift Shop, Museum
575.537.0300 - 99 Cortez Avenue, Hurley NMHours: Wed./Fri. 9-5 Sat./Sun. 10-6
PREVIEW ARTISTS: www.thetown.com
JW
ATTRACTIONSFort Bayard. U.S. Infantry post built in 1863.Housed Buffalo Soldiers. 10 miles east of Silver City.Kneeling Nun. Natural monolith resembling a pray-ing nun. 15 mi. E. of Silver City at Santa Rita mine.
FORT BAYARD EVENTSMay 24 Ft. Bayard Wilderness Run
www.zianet.com/ftbayardrunAug 23 Ft. Bayard’s 142nd Birthday
575-388-4477 Sep 19-20 Fort Bayard Days
575-388-4477
LOCATION Bayard and Hurley are located on US180 inthe heart of New Mexico’s largest and mosthistoric mining district.
TOUR Return to Silver City on US180 and turn south-west on NM90 forty-five miles to Lordsburg.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber ofCommerce (575) 538-3785 1(800)548-9378 www.silvercity.orgCity of Bayard (575)537-3327www.bayardminingtours.gov
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW24
he Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway, traversing centuriesof human activity and spectacular scenic vistas, provides a very full and diverse
automobile day trip. Ancient dwellings, an 1800s mining village, forts, lakes,streams, mission churches, and a mammoth copper mine will likely require follow-
up trips for further exploration of specific sites.From Silver City, drive north on NM15. Perched on the Continental Divide, the arts vil-
lage of Pinos Altos had a tumultuous beginning when gold was discoverednearby in 1859. The main street of the business district, with its saloon, operahouse, and a replica of old Fort Cobre, remains reminiscent of that era.
NM 15 winds on through the three million acre Gila National Forest pastvistas encompassing two rugged wilderness areas to the Gila Cliff DwellingsNational Monument. A short hiking trail at the monument leads to the cliff
dwellings of the Mogollon culture. A visitor center provides details of these prehistoric peo-ple as well as acknowledging the birthplace of the Apache leader, Geronimo.
NM 35 then parallels the tranquil Sapillo Creek and Lake Roberts areas. Complete withsandstone bluffs, pine forests, and campgrounds, these year-round attractions are of special
this page: LakeRoberts offers mountainfishing, camping andhiking opportunities withovernight accommoda-tions and access to thenearby Gila Cliff Dwel-lings Nat’l. Monument.
TRAIL of ��e MOUNTAIN SPIRITS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
LOCATIONThe scenic byway loops north from Silver City and includes forest vistas, cliffdwellings, lakes, farmlands, historic villages,forts and mining operations.
TOURFrom Fort Bayard, take US180 westbound to return to Silver City, or proceed in theeastbound lanes to visit Bayard.
MORE INFORMATIONSilver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce (575) 538-3785 • 1(800) 548-9378 www.silvercity.org
T
interest to birders and anglers, with lodgingand dining located nearby.
Heading south, the byway descends intothe Mimbres River farming valley. Built inthe 1800s, the church at San Lorenzo is stillin use today.
Turning westward on NM152, the routeleads back toward Silver City. The open pitcopper mine at Santa Rita is a spectacularachievement of man. Because of its size, it isdifficult to realize that the tiny-looking oretrucks in the distance are approximately threestories tall.
The last stop on the tour is historic FortBayard, a National Landmark, a NationalCemetery and state game preserve. TheMedal of Honor statue honors the BuffaloSoldiers once stationed there.
opposite, top: The forty rooms constructed incaves at the Gila Cliff Dwellings NationalMonument were occupied by the ancient MogollonIndian Culture for only about twenty years beforebeing abandoned. bottom: The spirit of theancient Mimbres Culture still lingers below Cook’sPeak and amongst the lush farmlands and quaintmission churches of the Mimbres River Valley.
OW25OLD WEST COUNTRY TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS
Prudential Silver City PropertiesMimbres Branch OfficeRobin Thomas, Associate Broker2991 Hwy. 35•Mimbres, New MexicoOffice 575.536.2900Toll free 877.536.2908Cell 575.574.8798robin@mimbresrealestate.comwww.mimbresvalleyrealestate.com
Spirit Canyon Lodge & Cafe
Birding • Fishing • Forest HikingTrails • Gila Cliff DwellingsHotsprings • Indian Ruins Cafe offers full menu and German specialites on Saturday.
684 Hwy. 35, Lake Roberts575.536.9459www.spiritcanyon.com Why stay in a motel?Why stay in a motel?
Bear CreekMotel & CabinsFabulous getaway nestled inthe tall pines of Pinos Altos. • Crackling Fireplaces• Secluded Balconies• Relaxing Porches• Telephone & WiFi• Satellite TV• Barbeque Grill• Hot Tub in Cabana• Meeting Room• Cabins with
kitchens are available.
Conveniently locatedjust 7 miles north of Silver City on NM Highway 15.575.388.4501•888.388.4515Make reservations & view availability onlinewww.bearcreekcabins.com
ZZ Z Z
Explore,
relax and
play along the
trail of the Ancients,
Spanish explorers, Native
Americans, Buffalo Soldiers, mountainmen, miners and homesteaders.
Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center - 575-536-9461
Funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration.tmsbyway.com
MIMBRES VALLEYGRANT COUNTY
he upper Rio Mimbres, so named by Spanish explorers, provides
for a scenic, yet very relaxing one-day automobile tour. Just east of
Lake Roberts, NM35 bisects the Continental Divide Trail and slow-
ly descends into the tranquil Mimbres Valley. Meandering along the
edges of orchards and fields tended by descendents of late 1800s settlers and
through the growing communities of Mimbres and San
Lorenzo, the road crosses NM152 to become NM61, with
Cooke’s Peak as a constant landmark. Small mission church-
es across the river at San Lorenzo and along NM61 at San
Juan and Faywood add to the quaint atmosphere of the area. Just before reach-
ing US180, the southwest end of the valley opens up into grassy plains at City
of Rocks State Park and Faywood Hot Springs.
The valley was once inhabited by the ancient Mimbres Culture, liv-ing in small clusters of pithouses and multiroomed pueblos from aboutA.D. 200 until around A.D.1150. Although the Mimbres Indians never
LOCATION The Mimbres Valley stretches from City of Rocks State Park north along NM61 and NM35 to the Continental Divide nearLake Roberts.
TOUR ROUTE From Deming, travel northwest 23 mileson US180, turning northeast on NM61.From Silver City, travel nine miles east onUS180 and turning onto NM152, travelanother 12 miles east past the Santa RitaCopper Mine.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce (575) 538-3785 1(800) 548-9378www.silvercity.org
TThe City of Rocks StatePark offers trails throughhuge boulders, a botanicalgarden, picnic facilities,overnight campsites and avisitor center.
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW26
developed significant architectural prac-tices, they produced quantities of paintedpottery that set them aside from otherSouthwest cultures. Their sophisticatedpatterns included elaborate geometricdesigns, animal representations andanthropomorphic creations that can beadmired in museums in Silver City,Deming, Las Cruces and Truth orConsequences.
The Trail of the Mountain SpritsNational Scenic Byway makes a dramaticentry into the Mimbres Valley on NM152from Santa Clara and Silver City and TheGeronimo Trail National Scenic Bywayenters the valley, also on NM152, fromHillsboro and Truth or Consequences.
OW27OLD WEST COUNTRY MIMBRES VALLEY
Ride Forever
and Enjoy
Ranch Living
• 42-acre and up tracts• Fabulous views
• All underground utilities• Minimum road impact
• Habitat and erosion protection• Year round living in 4 gentle seasons
• Eco-friendly community• Endless miles of riding and hiking
• Prices starting at $2,500. per acre. Owner financing on selected tracts.
www.MimbresMountainRanch.comContact:
Tim Donovan, Associate Broker
Mimbres Branch Office
3516 N. Hwy. 35 • Mimbres, NM 88049
575.536.3870 office • 575.534.7955 [email protected]
Broker Owned
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW28
ATTRACTIONSLordsburg Hidalgo Museum. This OldWest museum documents the early history inwhich the nearby ghost towns took root. 710E 2nd St. Open M-F 1-3 PM. 575-542-9086.Gila National Forest. Almost one fourth ofthe 3.3 million acre forest is in wilderness.Largest of these is the 438,360 acre GilaWilderness, set aside in 1924 as the firstsuch area in the United States.Rodeo. On the NM-AZ border in southernHidalgo Co., Rodeo offers facilities for travelers. The area is becoming a small art
center with the Chiricahua Guild & Gallerylocated in an old Mission Church, the Studio-Gallery of internationally renowned artist andsculptor Roger McKasson, and the newChiricahua Desert Museum with live reptiledisplays, a gift shop and gallery.Portal and Cave Creek. This famous birding area is the only place in NorthAmerica that you can see Olive Warblers,Red-faced Warblers, and MexicanChickadees. Portal also has a wide variety ofhummingbird species. Portal offers lodgingand food.
Redrock Wildlife Area. Located on theGila River and is operated by the NM Game& Fish Dept. All animals areprotected withinthe refuge even during hunting seasons. Themain project at the reserve is the breedingand growth of the Desert Big-Horn Sheep.Shakespeare Ghost Town. 2.5 milessouthwest of Lordsburg. Open monthly forguided tours. Call for schedule. 575-542-9034 www.shakespeareghostown.comPeloncillo Mountains Wilderness.Ragged and rugged, the historic ButterfieldStage Route forms the southern boundary.
or a genuine glimpse of the Old West, Lordsburg and Hidalgo County put time inreverse. Artifacts displayed at the Lordsburg Hidalgo Museum breathe life back into the
area’s ghost towns and highlight its mining, railroad, ranching and farming heritage. Historicmoments include the day Charles Lindbergh landed on his famous cross-country flight. A couple of miles away, but over a hundred years up the road, the ghost town of Shakespeare bold-
ly hangs onto its rip-roaring past. A mining camp and stage stop on the Butterfield Trail, some of thefiercest outlaws in the Old West once passed the time there drinking and shooting flies off walls.
Southwest of Lordsburg, the arts village of Rodeo showcases the work of local artisans,including noted painter and sculptor, Roger McKasson. Visit McKasson’s Studio/Gallery inRodeo and the Chiricahua Guild and Art Gallery in the old mission church. The Newlyopened Chiricahua Desert Museum features live reptile exhibits, art, artifacts and NativeAmerican jewelry, as well as their own ECO herpetological books and ECO Wear clothing.
Declared an “outstanding natural area for birding habitat,” Guadalupe Canyon in theSouthwest corner of Hidalgo County and Cave Creek, in the Chiricahua Mountains just
west of Rodeo, are species found nowhere else in the United States. Hiking, camping and photo opportuni-ties are abundant, as well as some of the darkest, most stable night skies for stargazing in the country. Thereare RV and Bed and breakfast facilities in Rodeo.
North of Lordsburg, the Lower Gila Box Wilderness Study Area provides access to some 170 species ofbirds, petroglyphs and additional photo opportunities.
LORDSBURGHIDALGO COUNTY
F
this page: Shakes-peare Ghost Town byLordsburg is an oldButterfield stage stop(check for schedules).inset: The ChiricahuaMountains, accessedfrom Rodeo, offerexcellent camping,hiking and birdingopportunities.
OW29OLD WEST COUNTRY LORDSBURG
HIDALGO COUNTY EVENTSFeb 14 Cowboy Poetry Fiesta 575-542-9864Jul 4 July 4th Activities. 5K Run,
Lordsburg July 4th Activities; parade, BBQ, dance in Rodeo, NM
Aug Hidalgo County Fair 575-542-9864Aug 28-30 Tejano Fiesta 575-542-9864Oct 17 Sister City Celebration at
Antelope WellsNov 7 Cowboy Hall of Fame Nov 14 Mixed Nuts Arts & Crafts Show,
Rodeo, NMDec 4 Annual Light Parade, Moonlight
Madness 505-542-9864
Contact the Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber ofCommerce to check on events and dates, as changesmay occur throughout the year. 575-542-9864 Fax: 575-542-9059. email: [email protected].
LOCATIONLordsburg is located at the junction of I-10,US70 and NM90 near the Butterfield Trailstage stop of Shakespeare.
TOUR Travel west on I-10 to Steins ghost town andsouth on NM80 to the village of Rodeo and the Chiricahua Mountains. Return to Lordsburgand travel east 60 miles on I-10 to Deming.
MORE INFORMATION Greater Hidalgo Area Chamber of Commerce (575) 542-9864www.GreaterHidalgoAreaCoC.comemail: [email protected]
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW30
eming and Luna County have bragging rights to mild weather and lots ofsunshine. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a list of activities that includes golf, hik-
ing, rock hounding and birding. Even ducks here are physically fit.Savvy gem and mineral collectors already know about Rockhound State Park, where
visitors are encouraged to gather up to 15 pounds of mineral specimens for their own col-lections. The park offers a visitor center and a wide range of amenities for campers, hikers and
birders as well as a botanical garden and our state parks system’s first native pollinator garden. SpringCanyon, a secluded day use area where the birding is said to be especially good, is practically adjacent
to Rockhound. Two other popular state parks nearby include historic Pancho Villa StatePark near the Mexican border and City of Rocks, a short drive north.
Back in Deming, tour New Mexico’s largest vineyards and premier wineries, enjoy around of golf at the 18-hole Rio Mimbres Golf Course or take a swim at the Sam BacaAquatic Center. Low-impact aerobic activity is available on the trails in Voiers Park oron a walking tour of a historic downtown district filled with excellent museums, gal-leries, antique shops and friendly people.
Whatever time of year you visit Deming, be sure to return in August for the Great American DuckRace. A popular celebration for over a quarter of a century, this event pays cash purses for winning ducksand hosts activities that include a week of parades, outhouse races, contests, barbeques and social events.
You can also enjoy international shopping and dining just 31 miles south of Deming on NM 11. Hereyou’ll find the towns of Columbus, New Mexico USA and Puerto Palomas de Villa in the state ofChihuahua, Mexico. RVers have long made Pancho Villa State Park at Columbus a destination for shak-ing off their wintertime blues. The park includes an intriguing educationand visitor center. Palomas is always a bustling place where visitorsdiscover a bonanza of bargains on handmade goods from all ofMexico. It also offers excellent dental andpharmaceutical facilities, as well asovernight accommodations.
this page: The FloridaMountains, near Deming,provide unusual rockformations and offerhiking opportunities atSpring Canyon StatePark. inset: The NativeGarden at the RockhoundState Park Visitor Centerprovides an exercise indesert horticulture.
DEMINGLUNA COUNTY
ATTRACTIONSCity of Rocks State Park. Rock formationsformed over 34 million years ago during a vol-canic eruption. Overnight campsites; visitor cen-ter; botanical garden; wildlife; hiking; and more.Located 30 miles NW of Deming on US 180and NM 61. 575-536-2800Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Minerals,gems, frontier military history and Mimbresexhibits. 301 S. Silver. 575-546-2382.www.DemingLunaMimbresMuseum.comLuna Rossa Winery. 575-544-1160. www.LunaRossaWinery.com
Rockhound State Park. Collect up to 15 lbs of rocks. The 250-acre park haspicnic facilities; overnight camping; hiking trails; wildlife; and exhibits on local history of Buffalo Soldiers, ApacheIndians and more. 14 miles southeast of Deming. 575-546-6182Spring Canyon State Park. Realize a serenebeauty and complete sense of isolation. Picnicking facilities. Ibex, wild goatsfrom Iran, may be encountered. 575-546-6182 www.cityofdeming.orgSt. Clair Winery & Visitor Center.575.546.1179 www.stclairvineyards.com
Pancho Villa State Park. Located on thesite of old Camp Furlong where Villa raided theU.S. This 61-acre park offers a massive desertbotanical garden, camping and museum/visitorcenter. 575-531-2711U.S. and Mexico Port of Entry. 24-hourcrossing Columbus / Palomas. 3 miles south of Columbus. 575-531-2686
Publisher’s Note: Documents are required for returning tothe United States. Check with U.S. Customs before leavingthe U.S. All items purchased in Mexico must be declaredwhen returning to the U.S. and Mexican law strictly for-bids carrying guns or ammunition into Mexico.
D
OW31OLD WEST COUNTRY DEMING
LUNA COUNTY EVENTS Mar 7 Camp Furlong Days at Pancho Villa
State Park in Columbus. 575-531-2711 Mar 9 Raid Day Commemorative in
Columbus. 866-397-2406 Mar 12-15 Rockhound Roundup. 575-544-1013May 22-24 Bluegrass Festival at Rockhound
State Park. 575-546-6182Aug 27-30 Great American Duck Race.
888-345-1125Dec 5 Christmas Light Parade in downtown
Deming. 575-546-2674 Dec 12 Holiday Lights at Rockhound State Park.
575-546-6182
LOCATION Deming is located at the junction of Interstate 10,US180 and NM11, next to Rockhound State Parkand 34 miles north of the U.S. border with Mexico.
TOUR ROUTE From Deming, head south on NM11 for 31 milesto reach the historic village of Columbus, NM, andfor international shopping and dining in Palomas,Mexico. Return to Deming on NM11 and traveleast on I-10 for 59 miles to Las Cruces.
MORE INFORMATION Deming Luna County Chamber of Commerce (575) 546-2674 or (800) [email protected]
Holiday Inn -DemingStretch-out and relax in the largest
and nicest courtyard in town.• Cool off in our new outdoor swimming pool• Suites with large jacuzzi tubs• High-speed Internet access• Exterior room entrances • Pets stay free
Lazy Lizard Bar & GrillKick-back and enjoy great food
and your favorite cocktails.
Three TVs to watch the game onServing popular beers & cocktails
Located off I-10 @ Exit 854600 E. Pine St. • Deming, NM 88030575.546.2661 • www.HolidayInn.com
OLD WEST TRAILS www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330 OW32
ld West Country encompasses a number of climate zones and thereforeattracts a wide variety of bird species. The Rio Grande valley and associat-
ed marshlands provide for huge numbers of migratory waterfowl and late fallspectacles, while the mountain regions witness smaller, more specific seasonal
movements. Desert locales are more active for a variety of raptors and even burrowingspecies. Whatever your level of experience or the lengths of your lists, birding has becomeincreasingly popular, and Old West Country is an outstanding area in which to enjoy it.
Some Old West Country residents are able to observe more than a hundred species ofbirds without leaving home. Visitors, of course, increase their success rate when the local
population points out the most likely locations. For those just begin-ning the quest for identifying birds, as with any new activity, success isimportant to maintaining interest.
Old West Trails has compiled a list of popular birding locations andthe species known to drop in from time to time. Some of the loca-tions are also known for their scenic beauty; others may
seem unlikely but are nonetheless areas preferred by a number of our featheredfriends. Old West Country birding experts have verified all locations.
By combining information contained in this feature with otherresources found on these pages, you can plan a birding adven-ture that also includes hiking, camping, horseback riding and awealth of other activities that await you in Old West Country.
this page: The perch of alone hawk offers excellentviewing for possible prey(and of migrating birdsand photographers) atBosque del Apache Nat-ional Wildlife Refuge.
1. Hatch to Deming: NM 26 Raptor Route(Private Property. Bird from road only) F4
2. Mount View Cemetery. F43. Deming Water Treatment Area. F44. Spring Canyon Unit of Rock Hound
State Park. F45. Pancho Villa State Park. G46. NM 9 between Hachita & Animas. G27. NM 338 South of Animas (Private
Property. Bird from road only.) G18. Clanton Canyon. G19. State Line Road near Rodeo (Private
Property. Bird from road only.) G110. Granite Gap. F111. Lordsburg Playa (Private Property. Bird
from road only.) F112. Virden Bridge (Private Property. Bird from
road only.) E113. Lower Gila Box. E114. Glenwood Fish Hatchery. C115. National Catwalk Recreation Area. C216. Mogollon (Private Property. Bird from
road only.) C217. Willow Creek Campground. C218. Redrock Road (Private Property. Bird
from road only.) E219. Burro Mountains: Forest Rd. 851. E220. Gila River Bird Habitat Area. E221. Gila River/Mogollon Creek Confluence. D222. Big Ditch Park. E323. Cherry Creek/McMillan Campgrounds. E324. Signal Peak Road. E325. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. D326. Lake Roberts Area. D327. TNC Mimbres Preserve. D328. Fort Bayard Historical District. E329. City of Rocks State Park. E330. Iron Creek Campground to Lower
Gallinas Campground. E431. Emory Pass. E432. Kingston-Hillsboro Area (Private Property
- Bird from road only). E433. Las Animas Creek (Private Property. Bird
from road only.) D534. Percha Dam State Park. E535. Caballo Lake State Park & Caballo Dam.D536. Las Palomas Marsh. D537. Elephant Butte Lake State Park. D538. Springtime Campground. C539. Leasburg Dam State Park. E540. Dripping Springs Recreation Area. F6
41. Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area. F6
42. The Bosque del Apache. B643. Water Canyon. B544. Socorro Birding Site. B6
6789
10
11
1213
15
1617
19
20
21
22
23
18
14
Map compiled by the State Audobon.
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BIRDING
Loca�ions�
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Reserve/Glenwood1 Reserve (C2)2 Quemado (A2)3 Pie Town (A3)4 Plains of San Agustin/Datil (B3-B4)5 Glenwood (D1)6 Glenwood Hatchery (D1)7 The Catwalk (D1)8 San Francisco Hot Springs (D1)9 Mogollon (C1)10 Snow Lake (C2)11 Gila Wilderness (D2-D3)12 Outer Loop (C1-D3)a Cooney’s Tomb (C1)b Clairmont (C1)c Frisco (C1)
Socorro13 Very Large Array Telescopes (B4)14 Magdalena/Kelly (B5)15 Langmuir Lightning Res. Lab (B5)16 Magdalena Ridge Observatory (B5)17 Socorro Plaza Historic District (B6)18 NM Tech/Mineral Museum (B6)19 Quebradas Back Country Byway (A4)20 Owl Cafe (B6)21 Bosque del Apache Refuge (B6-C622 Sevilleta Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge (A5-6)23 La Joya State Game Refuge (A6)d Ft. Craig National Historic Site (C5)e Riley (A5)f Rosedale (B4)g San Antonio (B5)h San Marcial (C5)i Historic Capitol Bar (B5)
Silver City24 Historic Downtown Silver City (E3)25 Silver City Museum (E3)26 WNMU Museum (E3)27 Royal Scepter Mineral Museum (E3)28 Pinos Altos (E3)29 Santa Rita del Cobre Fort (E3)30 Trail of Mtn. Spirits S. Byway (D3-E3)31 Gila National Forest (C2-E4)32 Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. (D3)33 Lake Roberts/Mimbres River (D3)34 Mine Tours & Old Mines (E3)35 Fort Bayard (E3)36 City of Rocks State Park (E3)37 Outer Loop Drive (C1-D3)j Fort Webster (E3)k Royal John (E4)l Fiero (E3)
Truth or Consequences38 T or C Hot Baths (D5)39 Geronimo Springs Museum (D5)40 Rio Grande (D5)41 Elephant Butte Dam (D5)42 Elephant Butte Lake St. Park (C5-D5)43 Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway (C4-E4)44 Monticello/Placita (C3)45 Pecan & Candy Shop - Cuchillo (D4)46 Cuchillo Bar & Museum (D5)47 Winston (C4)48 Chloride (C4)49 Caballo Lake State Park (D5-E5)50 Lake Valley Bk Ctry Byway (D4-E4)A Lake Valley (E4)51 Hillsboro (E4)52 Kingston (E4)m Gold Dust (D4)n Grafton (C4)o Pioneer Store Museum (D4)p Elephant Butte Damq Percha Dam/Campground (E5)r Veterans Mem. Park/Museum (D5)s Engle (D5)
Lordsburg53 Steins Ghost Town (F1)54 Shakespeare Ghost Town (F2)55 Lordsburg Museum (F2)56 Virden (E1)57 Gila River (C3-E1)58 Redrock State Wildlife Area (E1)59 Gila National Forest (E2)60 Cave Creek (G1)61 Portal (G1)62 Rodeo (G1)63 Animas (G1)64 Hatchita (G2)65 Antelope Wells (H2)t Cloverdale (G1)u Granite Gap (G1)
Deming66 Deming Visitors Center (F4)67 Mimbres Museum (F4)68 Historic Walking Tour (F4)69 Golf Course (F4)70 Rockhound State Park (F4)71 Spring Canyon State Park (F4)
TourOLD WESTOLD WEST
72 St. Clair Winery (F4)73 Geolapidary Museum (F4)74 Mimbres-Paquime Tour (E3-H2)75 Pancho Villa State Park (G4)76 Columbus/Museum (G4)77 Palomas (G4)v Fort Cummings (F4)
w Historic Luna Co. Courthouse (F4)
Las Cruces78 Old Mesilla (F6)79 NM Farm-Ranch Museum (F6)80 Gadsden Museum (F6)81 Branigan Cultural Center (F6)
82 New Mexico State University (F6)83 Natural History Museum (F6)84 Bataan Death March Memorial (F6)85 Dripping Springs (F6)86 Stahmann Farms (F6)87 White Sands MIssile Range Museum (F6)88 White Sands Nat’l. Monument (E7)
89 Ft. Selden State Monument (E5)90 Leasburg Dam State Park (E5)91 War Eagles Air Museum (G6)x San Albino Church/Old Mesilla (F6)y Aguirre Springs Nat. Recreation Area (F6)z Chamberino (F6)
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66 Visitors Center67 Mimbres Museum68 Historic Walking Tour69 Golf Coursew Historic Luna County
Courthouse
Old Mesillax San Albino
Church
38 T or C hot baths39 Geronimo Spr Museum40 Rio Grandep Elephant Butte Damr Veterans Memorial Park
& Museum
Visit www.oldwestcountry.com/birding map.html to view this map in electronic form
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SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
PRESRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDSilver City, NM
88061PERMIT No. 10
OLD WEST COUNTRYSouthwest Region 2
P.O. Box 884Silver City, NM 88062
1-800-290-8330www.oldwestcountry.com
e-mail: [email protected]
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Deming • Las Cruces • Lordsburg • Reserve • Silver City • Socorro • Truth or Consequences
OLDWESTOLDWEST
DEMING
RESERVEDEMING SILVER CITY LAS CRUCES T OR C LORDSBURG SOCORROLO
RDSBURG
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ofHealth
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ShakespeareMineral Hot SpringsOrgan MountainsWillow Creek Gila Cliff Dwellings
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