# Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail

> From Hillsboro over Emory Pass to Silver City, to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, through the Catwalk near Glenwood and on to Mogollon: 690 kilometres in the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-113-gila-wilderness-geronimo-trail/

**At a glance:** 6-day road trip of about 372 km (231 mi) with 9 stops, from Hillsboro to City of Rocks State Park. About 4 h 08 min of driving in total. From Hillsboro over Emory Pass to Silver City, to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, through the Catwalk near Glenwood and on to Mogollon: 690 kilometres in the world’s first wilderness area.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 372 km (231 mi) |
| Driving | 4 h 08 min |
| Suggested days | 6 |
| Stops | 9 |
| Route | Hillsboro → City of Rocks State Park |
| States | NM |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Hillsboro over Emory Pass to Silver City, to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, through the Catwalk near Glenwood and on to Mogollon: 690 kilometres in the world’s first wilderness area.*

## The spirit of the route

The Gila is a place for people who like to see little and hear a lot. Beyond Silver City the forest swallows the world: pines, junipers and oaks, with streams between them that run clear and cold in spring. NM 152 crosses Emory Pass on the Geronimo Trail, the former refuge of the Apaches, and winds in curves through the Black Range. In the Gila valley a row of cave dwellings of the Mogollon culture clings to a rock face above the river, and a short path leads up through cottonwoods and over bridges. At the Catwalk a walkway hangs in a narrow gorge above Whitewater Creek, and in Mogollon crooked wooden houses stand in front of the mountain. At night it is quiet, and the Milky Way stands above the forest. The route calls for a relaxed pace: narrow mountain roads, few supplies and a schedule that allows detours.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Hillsboro to Silver City (approx. 150 km)

- **The drive:** From I-25 at Caballo/Truth or Consequences on NM 152 to Hillsboro and Kingston, then up Emory Pass (about 2,500 m) and down through the Black Range to Santa Clara and Silver City. NM 152 is two-lane, winding and steep with switchbacks; observe the warnings for long vehicles and towing outfits. Pure driving time about 3 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Hillsboro and Kingston: ghost-town atmosphere, historic mining settlements with remains of the silver boom.
  - Emory Pass Vista: a viewpoint in the Black Range with a view of the Gila area and the Mimbres Mountains; part of the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway.
  - Santa Clara and Fort Bayard: a former army post from the 19th century, now a historic site near Silver City.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Caballo Lake State Park near Truth or Consequences (I-25): campgrounds by the lake with sites with and without electricity, dump station and toilets; check length limits and reservations with New Mexico State Parks. Along NM 152 there are simple Gila National Forest sites that open only seasonally and in part without water; ask about names and condition before you arrive.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Gila National Forest dispersed camping is allowed in many areas for up to 14 days; access only via existing forest tracks, fire restrictions in summer are common. In the villages, spending the night in a vehicle on the street is not intended.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up with fuel and water in Truth or Consequences before NM 152; the route has hardly any supplies. It is worth a look at the NMDOT road report (nmroads.com), because the mountain road can be closed in heavy rain or snow.

### Stage 2: Silver City to Gila Cliff Dwellings (approx. 120 km)

- **The drive:** From Silver City on NM 15 (Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway) to Pinos Altos and on through the forest to the Gila valley: about 44 miles, the tightest switchbacks and steep climbs, speeds often 20–30 mph. The NPS advises against the first roughly 25 miles of NM 15 for towing outfits and vehicles over about 20 ft and recommends that large vehicles go east via US 180, NM 152 and NM 35 via Lake Roberts (about 2.5 to 3 hours in total). Pure driving time on NM 15 about 2 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Pinos Altos: a mining village with a saloon, historic opera house and small museum, turn-off to the NM 15 road.
  - Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: about 40 rooms in five rock caves, inhabited around 1280 by the Mogollon culture; a loop trail of about 1 mile leads over bridges by the river and up steps into the caves. Visitor centre and opening hours are seasonal, so check the status on nps.gov/gicl.
  - Gila Hot Springs and Middle Fork: hot springs and trails along the river; several fords and bridges.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Forks Campground, Grapevine Campground and Upper Scorpion Campground lie in Gila National Forest on NM 15 near the monument: simple sites by the river, toilets, no drinking water, no hook-ups; Forks lies on NM 35 (motorhomes not recommended there according to the Forest Service, free, no reservations), check opening of the other sites with the Forest Service. Alternative: Cherry Creek Campground on NM 15 north of Pinos Altos (open according to the Forest Service, check the status).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in Gila National Forest is mostly allowed for up to 14 days; in the Gila Wilderness itself only on foot or with a horse, no vehicles. Filter or boil water.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up with fuel in Silver City or Mimbres and take water for two days. There is no mobile reception on NM 15; download an offline map and plan the return before dark. Large vehicles are better left in Silver City, renting a car for the route.

### Stage 3: Gila Cliff Dwellings to Silver City (approx. 110 km)

- **The drive:** Back along NM 15 to Pinos Altos, optionally on a second route via NM 35 through the Mimbres valley and Lake Roberts (winding, but less steep). About 2 to 2.5 hours’ driving time, depending on weather and stops.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Lake Roberts: a reservoir in Gila National Forest with fishing, trails and viewpoints.
  - Silver City: a town with Victorian houses, galleries, the Western New Mexico University Museum with Mimbres pottery.
  - Big Ditch Park: the former main street that became a gorge in the floods of 1895 and 1903, now a park.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Lake Roberts: Upper End Campground and Mesa Campground (Gila National Forest) with simple pitches by the lake; water only in part, no hook-ups, check opening. In Silver City private RV parks offer hook-ups.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in Gila National Forest is allowed; at Lake Roberts only on designated sites. In Silver City, overnighting on streets and car parks is prohibited.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Shop and empty your waste in Silver City; the town has good supermarkets and laundries. Anyone choosing the way back via NM 35 should check weather and road conditions, as the risk of slipping rises in rain.

### Stage 4: Silver City to Glenwood (approx. 105 km)

- **The drive:** On US 180 north-west via Cliff and Buckhorn to Glenwood: a fast, wide route through the Gila valley, cottonwoods and cattle pastures, speeds 55–65 mph. About 1.5 hours’ driving time, then 5 miles on NM 174 to the Catwalk.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - The Catwalk National Recreation Trail: a steel walkway on the rock wall of Whitewater Canyon, built along a mining water pipeline, repeatedly repaired after floods and fire; the walkway is about 0.5 miles, followed by the Whitewater Trail. The area is closed for a time in floods (most recently a closure notice), day fee about 5 USD per vehicle; check the status in advance with the Glenwood Ranger District.
  - Whitewater Canyon: a narrow gorge with a stream, cascades and bridges, a short but impressive walk.
  - Glenwood State Fish Hatchery: a state fish farm in the village, visits usually possible, check opening hours.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Pueblo Park Campground (open all year, no reservations and no fee, no water, access via about 6 miles of gravel road C-013 west of US 180) and other Forest Service sites around Glenwood are simple; vehicle length is limited. Clarify opening with the Forest Service before you arrive. In Glenwood small operators offer pitches.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in Gila National Forest is allowed; access roads are impassable in rain, roads narrow and with a ford.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Visit the Catwalk early in the day, because the car parks are small and the trail is full at weekends. In heavy rain check water levels, as the gorge can fill quickly.

### Stage 5: Glenwood to Mogollon (approx. 45 km)

- **The drive:** From Glenwood on US 180 briefly north to NM 159 and then about 9 miles up the mountain to Mogollon: narrow, steep, tight bends, steep slopes without guard rails. Not suitable for large motorhomes and towing outfits. About 45 minutes in each direction.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Mogollon: a former silver town on the slope, the main street lined with wooden houses; in summer small museums and shops are open.
  - Cemetery and ruins above the village: a short walk through the remains of the mill and mine buildings; buildings and grounds are partly private property, so observe the signs.
  - View on the way up: NM 159 opens views over the Mogollon Mountains and the Gila country.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Mogollon itself offers hardly any pitches; the Gila National Forest sites near Glenwood or a private site in the village are suitable as a base. Clarify opening before you arrive.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping on forest land near Mogollon is possible, but access roads are steep and narrow; not suitable for large vehicles.
- **Insider tip for campers:** With a motorhome it is better to stay down in Glenwood and drive up by car. Check brakes and cooling beforehand; take care on muddy sections in rain.

### Stage 6: Glenwood to City of Rocks State Park (approx. 160 km)

- **The drive:** Back on US 180 to Silver City and on east on US 180 and NM 61 to City of Rocks State Park near Faywood: a desert road with wide views, a flat stretch, speeds 55–65 mph. Pure driving time about 2.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - City of Rocks State Park: groups of rock towers of volcanic tuff, formed by erosion; a loop trail and an observatory for stargazing.
  - Faywood Hot Springs: springs nearby (privately run, check opening and access).
  - Silver City as a finale: shopping, laundry and waste disposal before continuing.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** City of Rocks State Park: campground between rock towers, sites with and without electricity, water, toilets, showers; check length limits and reservations with New Mexico State Parks. The rock towers offer shelter from the wind and from view.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Prohibited in the state park; on BLM land in the surrounding area dispersed camping is possible, so check rules and access.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The park is known as a Dark Sky Park, with star tours and the observatory on certain dates; in summer hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon because of the heat. Bring water.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- In New Mexico dispersed camping on National Forest and BLM land is generally allowed, usually for up to 14 days in one place; in the Gila Wilderness vehicles are prohibited, and camping there is only on foot or with a horse. State Trust Land requires a permit.
- In Silver City, Glenwood and Pinos Altos, spending the night in a vehicle on streets and car parks is mostly prohibited; if in doubt, choose a campground.
- Fire bans in early and late summer (fire restrictions) in Gila National Forest are common; campfires only in designated rings and only if allowed. Check the current status with the Forest Service before setting off.
- Wildlife: black bears, cougars, rattlesnakes and scorpions occur; keep food in the vehicle at night and secure rubbish. Elk occasionally in the Gila valley.
- Floods and wildfire aftermath: after fires and heavy rain mudslides occur; access roads and trails (Catwalk, NM 15) can be closed, so check road conditions.
- Useful apps and sites: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov (Forest Service), New Mexico State Parks, nmroads.com, Gila National Forest and the NPS.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations: Caballo Lake State Park, City of Rocks State Park and private RV parks in Silver City; ask about availability in advance. Sanidumps.com lists stations.
- Drinking water: tap water in Silver City is drinkable; Forest Service sites often have no water, so bring containers. Filter or boil river water.
- Fuel: fuel stations in T or C, Silver City, Glenwood and Mimbres; none on NM 15 and in the Gila. Head into the mountains with a full tank.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Silver City and T or C; only a small shop in Glenwood. Buy fresh produce before the Gila.
- Gas: propane in Silver City; European bottles need an adapter, and rental motorhomes have permanently installed US tanks.
- Electricity and mobile coverage: almost no reception in the Gila; download offline maps. Hook-ups only at a few sites.
- Laundry and showers: coin laundries in Silver City, showers in state parks.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: highways outside towns mostly 55–65, in built-up areas 25–35; on NM 15, NM 152 and NM 159 15–35 mph is usual. Wildlife on the road at night.
- Road restrictions: NM 15 is not recommended for long vehicles (over about 20 ft), and NM 159 to Mogollon is narrow and steep. Legal maximum height in the USA is mostly 13 ft 6 in.
- Reservations: state park sites via the New Mexico State Parks reservation system, Forest Service sites via Recreation.gov (not all can be reserved, some first-come); check opening locally.
- Admission: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument belongs to the NPS; since 2026, visitors without US residence face partly higher fees or surcharges in heavily visited parks – check current amounts on nps.gov.
- Altitude: Emory Pass about 2,500 m, Pinos Altos and Silver City about 1,800 m; in winter snow and ice on the passes.
- Weather and season: the best time is May to October; summer is warm with thunderstorms and flash floods, winter is cold with snow. Wildfire season May to July.
- Traffic law for travellers: turning right on red after stopping is allowed unless prohibited; open alcohol containers in the vehicle are prohibited. A German driving licence is enough, an international one is often recommended. Child seat and seat belt requirements also apply in a motorhome.
- Emergency: 911; mobile phones mostly have no reception in the Gila. Do not park in arroyos or riverbeds during thunderstorms.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Water containers (20 l) and a filter: Forest Service sites often have no water, and streams must be filtered.
- Storm-proof levelling ramps and a shovel: forest tracks and pitches are uneven and slippery in rain.
- Offline maps, a paper map and printed reservations: there is hardly any reception in the Gila.
- Sturdy footwear and water shoes: the way to the Cliff Dwellings and through the Catwalk crosses fords and walkways.
- Bear-proof container or food box: black bears occur in the forests.
- Head torch with red light and a star chart: City of Rocks and the Gila have dark skies.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Hillsboro** (NM)
2. **Kingston** (NM)
3. **Silver City** (NM)
4. **Pinos Altos** (NM)
5. **Gila Cliff Dwellings** (NM)
6. **Glenwood** (NM)
7. **The Catwalk** (Glenwood, NM): A metal walkway bolted to the walls of narrow Whitewater Canyon, following the route of an old mining pipeline.
8. **Mogollon** (NM)
9. **City of Rocks State Park** (Faywood, NM): Tall volcanic rock pillars standing like a village in the grassland, with campsites tucked between them and very dark skies.

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. Hot in June–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail?**
6-day road trip of about 372 km (231 mi) with 9 stops, from Hillsboro to City of Rocks State Park. About 4 h 08 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail?**
We suggest 6 days: about 4 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail start and end?**
It starts in Hillsboro and ends in City of Rocks State Park.

**Which states does Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail pass through?**
New Mexico.

**Where can you camp along Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail?**
OpenStreetMap lists 51 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Silver City RV Park, Mesa Campground and Upper End Campground.

**When is the best time for Forest, cliff dwellings and ghost towns: by camper through the Gila Wilderness and along the Geronimo Trail?**
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)