Gila National Forest

The Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway (also referred to as the Inner Loop Scenic Drive) snakes through 75 miles of some of the most gorgeous and scenic forest in the wilderness. The roads are paved but the sharp, narrow, and steep turns make it inadvisable for large RVs. From Silver City, take NM 15 north to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. From the monument backtrack on NM 15 to NM 35 heading southeast to NM 152, which leads west back to Silver City. Remember: these forest roads are slow—double your travel time estimates. And don’t pass up an opportunity to fill-up your tank—gas stations beyond Silver City can be scarce.