Grant County, NM is one of my favorite areas of our state. The land is beautiful the views go on forever and there is a lot to do.  Many people are looking for something fun to do that doesn’t require too much time on the road or getting on a plane. Our state has so much to offer and a visit to Silver City in Grant County may be just what you are looking for. The journey is just as important as the destination so check out these two great road trips to get there! – Cannagramma

There are  a few ways to get to Silver City from Central and Northern New Mexico, but this post covers two touristy ways. From Albuquerque, Trip #1 is 5+ hours, but offers unusual fun along the way. Trip #2 is 4+ hours and is a wet dream for those who love a challenging road trip, because crossing the New Mexico Black Mountain Range is a breathtaking roller coaster ride.

Silver City Road Trip #1

Go south to Socorro and turn right! This route on US 60 is the longer trip but it takes you past the VLA (Very Large Array) made more famous in the Jody Foster movie, “Contact”. The VLA is open to visitors for tours on certain weekends. Check their website to plan your trip.

Continue west on Hwy 60 from the VLA to Datil, NM. Here you can follow through on Hwy 60 another 22 more miles for pie in Pie Town, NM. Why go out of your way for pie? Well, because you can, you probably have the munchies, and the pie is damn good! Look for The Gathering’ Place for awesome pies of all sorts.

Back in Datil you turn south on NM 12. This takes you through some beautiful forests and landscapes that skirt the border between NM and AZ. Just after you pass through Reserve, NM you will head south on US 180 down to Silver City, traveling aside one of the largest wild areas in America, the Gila Wilderness.
Right off of US 180 is the Ghost Town of Mogollon. Once a thriving silver mining town, Mogollon offers a very cool glimpse of New Mexico’s past. May through October you can do some hiking in Mogollon, visit old graveyards, stop for lunch at the cafe, visit the mine museum, art galleries and an antique store. It’s a really nice diversion.

Continuing south on US 180 down into Silver City will take you through a few more small towns; Buckhorn, Cliff and Gila. The views go on forever.

Silver City Road Trip #2

This is the trip for those who want to go FAST but still enjoy the landscape. Travel south on I-25 past T or C and take NM Hwy 152 to Hillsboro. Hillsboro is a pretty sleepy town but you may find some good eats for lunch. The real thrill begins several miles past this village when you enter the Black Mountain range. This trip is not for the faint of heart or those prone to car-sickness, but for the right people it’s a helluva good time. Take the time to stop at some of the scenic look outs because the views are breathtaking. Once you are through the mountains you will drop down into the beautiful and diverse Mimbres Valley. In Santa Clara  NM 152 merges with US HWY 180 right on into Silver City. You will pass the historic and still operating Santa Rita/Chino Mine. There are some look-out areas where you can view the vastness of this historic site.

Other places in the area worth visiting are the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos, Mimbres Valley, Lake Roberts, The Santa Rita/Chino Mine and so much more!

So is it time for a Road Trip? It sure is! Check out Silver City. Good eats, great adventure, lots of art, and of course, if you are a NM Medical Cannabis patient or recreational aficionado, please stop in at Organtica South, 1001 N Pope Street, right in the center of town!