T R A I L S
www.oldwestcountry.com/familyfun Affordable vacations. See pages 1 and 25.
CONTENTS
Old West T R A I L S
Published exclusively for Old West Country as a supplement to New Mexico Traveler
Old West Country P.O. Box 884 • Silver City, NM 88062 1-800-290-8330 Website: www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com President Andres Giron Catron County Chamber of Commerce
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THE COMMUNITIES
Unique shopping experiences, the arts and fascinating museums are the anchors for Old West Country communities and the rapidly growing phenomenon of adventure tourism begins at the edge of every town.
LUNA COUNTY
Hiking, rockhounding and international shopping combine with wine, fast ducks, friendly people and plenty of sunshine. OWT8 DEMING
DOÑA ANA COUNTY
An engaging historic plaza, a cavalry fort and miles of hiking trails along the river and into the jagged mountains balance the area’s rapid growth OWT12 LAS CRUCES & MESILLA
SIERRA COUNTY
The home of New Mexico’s premier water sports destination is also an established center for natural hot mineral baths and healing arts OWT16 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES OWT18 CITY OF ELEPHANT BUTTE
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FEATURES 2
Old West Country
4
Great Outdoors
6
Regional Attractions
11
Relics & Realism. Forts, Ghost Towns and Famous Buildings.
15
Historic Mining Towns
34
Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway
36
Heroes, Villains and Just Plain Folks
40
Birding Locations
41
Old West Country Map
Lynn Janes LeAnne Knudsen Joseph Burgess
Vice President
Photography except where credited
Staff Accountant
Terri Menges Debra Sutton Designers
Distribution
Advertising Sales
Joseph Burgess Arlyn Cooley
Keith LeMay
Lynn Janes Debra Sutton Kenny Sutton Contributing Photographers
Old West Trails is a supplement to New Mexico Traveler and is manufactured and printed in the United States of America. ©Zia Publishing Corp. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole
www.lascrucescvb.org • e-mail: cvb@lascrucescvb.org
Lordsburg 117 East 2nd Street • Lordsburg, NM 88045 575-542-9864 www.GreaterHidalgoAreaCoC.com
Reserve P.O. Box 415 • Reserve, NM 87830 575-533-6116 www.catroncounty.org e-mail: chambersec@catroncounty.org
Silver City 201 N. Hudson St. • Silver City, NM 88061 1-800-548-9378
www.magdalena-nm.com e-mail: info@magdalena-nm.com
Truth or Consequences www.sierracountynewmexico.info P.O. Box 31 • Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 575-894-3536
GRANT COUNTY
President & Managing Director
Las Cruces 211 N. Water Street • Las Cruces, NM 88001 1-800-FIESTAS • 575-541-2444
Magdalena P.O. Box 281 • Magdalena, NM 87825-0281 Voice 866-854-3217
Lakes, streams, parts of three national forests, a picturesque ghost town and pack trip opportunities highlight this sparsely populated mountain region. OWT26 RESERVE, GLENWOOD, DATIL & QUEMADO
Terri Menges
www.demingchamber.com e-mail: chamber@zianet.com
www.socorronm.gov e-mail: tourism@socorronm.gov
CATRON COUNTY
Old West ghost towns represent the area’s mining, stagecoach and steam locomotive eras, and remote birding opportunities are present. OWT38 LORDSBURG
Deming 800 East Pine • Deming, NM 88031 1-800-848-4955
Socorro P.O. Box Drawer K • Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-8927
The spires of Spanish missions and headquarters for deep space eavesdropping compete for attention with incredible wildlife refuges. OWT20 SOCORRO OWT24 MAGDALENA
HIDALGO COUNTY
Serving the communities of:
www.silvercity.org e-mail: info@silvercity.org
SOCORRO COUNTY
Historic mining communities on the edge of vast tracks of forest and wilderness have become havens for both outdoor enthusiasts and the arts. OWT28 SILVER CITY OWT34 TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS OWT37 BAYARD
Executive Director Keith LeMay
www.truthorconsequencesnm.net e-mail: cofc@riolink.com
OUR COVER
Wildflowers at City of Rocks State Park are typical of the color that bursts forth throughout Old West Country following late summer “Monsoon” rains. Stark desert pastels can turn into brilliant floral displays, seemingly overnight. Photo by Joe Burgess.
Elephant Butte P.O. Box 1355 Elephant Butte, NM 87935 (575) 744-4708
www.elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com e-mail: info@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
Southwest Region 2 or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the information provided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or lia-
bility for errors, changes or omissions. Old West Trails is published annually by Zia Publishing Corp. 116 McKinney Road P.O. Box 1248 Silver City, NM 88062 Phone: 575-388-4444 Fax: 575-534-3333 e-mail: info@ziapublishing.com www.ziapublishing.com
Andres Giron Chair, Reserve Eddie Khanbabian Vice Chair, Deming George Pintar Secy/Treas, Las Cruces Other Region Members: Susan LaFont Elephant Butte Mike Trumbull Las Cruces Sally Haigler Socorro Keith LeMay Silver City
Deming Lordsburg Reserve Silver City Socorro Truth or Consequences
1. Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. $3/person
OLD WEST y Countr
2. Old Mesilla. Free
3. Elephant Butte Lake State Park. $5/car
4. Bosque del Apache Refuge. $3/car
5. City of Rocks State Park. $5/car
6. Very Large Array Telescopes. Free
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
OLD WEST COUNTRY Southwest Region 2
7. The Catwalk Recreation Trail. $3/car 8. NM Farm & Ranch Museum. $5/$2 child
P.O. Box 884 Silver City, NM 88062
1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com
9. Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Donations
10. Shakespeare Ghost Town. $4/$3 child
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS
Las Cruces
Whatever your interest, you’ll find a special adventure in Old West Country. Come and explore.
Old A yucca, the New Mexico state flower, is lighted by a camera flash during a late summer evening drizzle on the east side of the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. Spaniards referred to yuccas as candles of the desert.
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
West Country Diversity…cultural, scenic, historic, artistic, business, Southwest New Mexico delivers an experience that can fill volumes in your travel albums and business reports. From the ancient prehistoric peoples who left behind a wealth of artistic creations to the site of Spaceport America, Old West Country will challenge you, delight you, entertain you and provide you a thousand reasons to return. El Camino Real International Heritage Center between Socorro and Truth or Consequences celebrates the trade route established by early Spanish colonizers and is the state’s most recent monument. Apache skirmishes, confederate battles, famous outlaw incidents and hangings in the name of justice set the stage for a region that continues to push the envelope. The rugged canyons of the nation’s first designated wilderness area and New Mexico’s largest and most exciting water sports facilities are all found in Old West Country. National Scenic Byways invite you to tour by automobile and trails through millions of acres of national forest and BLM properties provide the opportunities to challenge Mother Nature and the elements. Forts, plazas, missions, visitor centers, centers for the arts and specialty shops are scattered throughout Southwest New Mexico and will make you feel more like part of the family than any other region in the country. Welcome to America’s Old West.
OLD WEST COUNTRY
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Rugged, high desert canyons, common to every region of Old West Country, support an abundance of plant and animal life and provide the backdrops for both artists and photographers.
Great
BIRDING
HIKING
BIKING
Late fall migratory birds provide spectacular bird watching and photo opportunities at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. The Rio Grande and Gila River systems and all mountain regions are host to year-round birding. Hummingbirds provide a real treat in warmer months in the Lake Roberts and Gila Cliff Dwelling areas. 575-388-8201
Apache, Cibola and Gila National Forest personnel maintain trail networks throughout the vast mountain region of Old West Country. Specific hiking areas include Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area at Las Cruces, Catwalk National Recreation Trail at Glenwood and segments of the Continental Divide Trail around Silver City. 575-388-8201
Mountain biking roads and trails are scattered throughout Old West Country, while the sanctioned Tour of the Gila 5-day bicycle stage race is held annually in Silver City. Check with local visitors centers for recommendations.
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
The diverse opportunities for creating awesome outdoor adventures in Old West Country will wrangle your imagination. Battling a trophy striped bass on New Mexico’s largest warm-water lake or a feisty rainbow trout in a cold mountain stream will certainly enhance your vision of the Desert Southwest. Herds of grazing elk and clouds of migrating waterfowl can alter the horizon and power up your production of adrenaline. Hiking trails and biking trails traverse the entire region. Rock climbers and mountain cyclists are drawn by rugged terrain, sparse populations and a nearperfect climate. Guides are ready to provide wilderness horseback trips for riders of all experience levels. Those who prefer touring by car can enjoy the old 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. State Park and Bureau of Land Management trails showcase the beauty and challenges of the region’s desert landscapes. Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes on the Rio Grande provide excellent conditions for numerous species of sporting fish. Elephant Butte is host to a full range of water sports including water skiing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing and parasailing. Southwest New Mexico’s cold, clear streams and mountain lakes provide the challenges that keep the true sportsman returning for more. Hand or electric-powered boats, only, are permitted at these smaller, ‘no wake’ lakes.
Outdoors ROCKHOUNDING
FISHING
BOATING & WATERSPORTS
Gem and mineral activity is found throughout southwest New Mexico. Specific points of interest include the Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, Rockhound State Park near Deming and the Chino open pit copper mine near Silver City. 575-388-8201
Among the state’s major fishing waters are Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes on the Rio Grande. Mountain lakes and streams are scattered throughout the Gila and Apache National Forests, including Lake Roberts, Bear Canyon Lake, Bill Evans Lake, Snow Lake and Quemado Lake. http://www.state.nm.us/or 575-476-8000.
Water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing and much more are typical activities at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. At most of the smaller mountain lakes, only electric powered motorboats are allowed.
OLD WEST COUNTRY / GREAT OUTDOORS
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clockwise from top, left: Buffalo Soldier sculpture can be found at Fort Seldon near Las Cruces and Fort Bayard near Silver City. Rockhound State Park visitor center near Deming explains the area’s abundance of collectable rocks. The Gila Cliff Dwellings of the ancient Mogollon culture can be accessed from Silver City, Deming or Truth or Consequences. Radio telescopes that combine to form the Very Large Array (VLA) between Socorro and Reserve help scientists map the sounds of the universe. Elephant Butte Lake at Truth or Consequences/Elephant Butte is the water sports capital of New Mexico. Metal walkways along the lower end of Catwalk National Scenic Trail near Glenwood cling to the walls of a narrow canyon. The ghost town of Shakespeare just south of Lordsburg was a rowdy stage stop along the Butterfield Trail. background: Hanover church near Silver City.
Regional
Attract
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
The stunning geology of Southwest New Mexico presents not only a wide gamut of scenic vistas, but also the elements for an intriguing array of human land use. Craggy peaks thrusting up from the historic Rio Grande Valley and the high Plains of San Agustin, home of the incredible Very Large Array Radio Telescopes, are among the Old West treasures offered residents and visitors alike. Parasailing on New Mexico’s largest lake or photographing elk grazing on a pristine Alpine 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 experienced at the Gila Cliff Dwellings, a national monument surrounded on three sides by the country’s first designated wilderness. The unique pottery of the nearby Mimbres culture can be witnessed in the museums of Silver City, Deming, Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences. Spanish entry into the area is chronicled at the Camino Real International Heritage Center between Socorro and Truth or Consequences. 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 staggering Santa Rita open pit copper mine scratches its way down into the earth’s crust. Vast national forests blanket much of the region, skirted on the east and south by interstate highways paralleling the strategic El Camino Real and Butterfield Trails. A national recreation trail at The Catwalk and a park specifically for rock hounds near Deming contribute to the endless opportunities of Old West Country. Make any Old West highway your destination byway.
t ions
THE CATWALK RECREATION TRAIL Walkways suspended from narrow canyon walls are the beginnings of a trail that works its way into the Gila Wilderness. The trailhead and picnic grounds beneath large cottonwood and sycamore trees are five miles east of US180 at Glenwood. 575-538-2801.
CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARK A city of giant monoliths protruding unexpectedly from the desert floor is located halfway between Silver City and Deming, 5 miles east of US180. The park has a visitor center, hiking trails, and a night sky observatory. Call for the observatory schedule. 575-536-2800.
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK New Mexico’s largest lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Landlovers can find hiking trails, great birding, and year-round events. History buffs will love the views of the 1916 dam and historic district at Dam Site Recreation Area. 575-744-5421.
FORT SELDEN An 1800s cavalry fort that was utilized by the Buffalo Soldiers. A year-round visitor center and living history demonstrations on weekends May through September. Nineteenth century military encampments second Saturdays monthly yearround. 575-526-8911
GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NAT’L MONUMENT Follow the “Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway” north from Silver City along NM15 or NM35 to the national monument visitor center. Printed matter and a movie provide information about the 13th century inhabitants of this pristine area. The Cliff Dwellings are accessible by a short, well-maintained trail. 575-536-9344.
NM FARM & RANCH HERITAGE MUSEUM A large and intriguing display of farm and ranch implements from the early Anasazi to modern times. See live milking demonstrations and special presentations. 575-522-4100.
OLD MESILLA A picturesque and historic Mexican/Old West plaza is surrounded by a stately church and 1800s buildings filled with fabulous shopping and dining opportunities. Additional shopping plazas with a charm all their own are continuing to expand along Avenida de Mesilla. 575-524-3262
THE RIO GRANDE New Mexico’s lifeline flows through the Old West communities of Socorro, T or C and Las Cruces. It contributed water and food for early traders along El Camino Real and now supports industry, agriculture, recreation and individual needs for New Mexico’s central corridor. Visit the El Camino Real Int’.l Heritage Center off I-25 at exit 115.
ROCKHOUND STATE PARK Rock specimens scattered across the slopes of the Florida (Flor-eeda) Mountains simply offer a great excuse to explore the area. Rockhounds meet regularly in the area southeast of Deming for demonstrations, sales and trading. 575-546-6782.
THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST Magdalena Dist. made up of the largest collection of historic ranchlands in New Mexico. 575-854-2281.
THE PLAINS OF SAN AGUSTIN The largest and highest grassland in North America, and watch for grazing antelope. 866-854-3217.
VETERANS MEMORIAL A permanent Vietnam Memorial Wall has been erected in Truth or Consequences to honor those who gave their lives for their country. 575-894-6600.
VERY LARGE ARRAY RADIO “TELESCOPE” Twenty-seven dish-shaped antennas are spread across three 13-mile tracks, one of which crosses US60 between Socorro and Reserve. A visitor center explains the mission of the project sponsored by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. 575-388-8201. OLD WEST COUNTRY / AREA ATTRACTIONS
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DEMING / LUNA COUNTY
Sunshine and mild weather are the big draw for Deming and Luna County. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a list of activities that includes golf, hiking, rockhounding and birding. Even the ducks are athletically inclined. 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 collections. 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. An adjacent unit of Rockhound State Park is Spring Canyon, a secluded day use area where the birding is said to be especially good. Two other state parks are also close to town – historic Pancho Villa State Park near Mexico and the fabulous City of Rocks a short drive to the north. Back in Deming, enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole Rio Mimbres Golf Course or take a swim at the Sam Baca Aquatic Center. Tour one of New Mexico’s vineyards and wineries. Low-impact aerobic activity is available at the trails in Voiers Pit Park or on a walking tour of a historic downtown district filled with excellent museums, galleries, antique shops and friendly people.
center: City of Rocks State Park north of Deming consists of a cluster of large monoliths with pathways winding between the boulders, picnic sites, a desert botanical garden and visitor center. inset: The historic Luna County Courthouse and the surrounding grounds become the venue for fiestas, art shows and performances.
ATTRACTIONS City of Rocks State Park. Rock formations formed over 34 million years ago during a volcanic eruption. Overnight campsites; visitor center; botanical garden; wildlife; hiking; and more. Located 30 miles NW of Deming on US 180 and NM 61. 575-536-2800 Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Minerals, gems, frontier military history and Mimbres exhibits. 301 S. Silver. 575-546-2382. www.cityofdeming.org Luna Rossa Winery. 575-544-1160. www.LunaRossaWinery.com
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
Rockhound State Park. Collect up to 15 lbs of rocks. The 250-acre park has picnic facilities; overnight camping; hiking trails; wildlife; and exhibits on local history of Buffalo Soldiers, Apache Indians and more. 14 miles southeast of Deming. 575-546-6182 Spring Canyon State Park. Realize a serene beauty and complete sense of isolation. Picnicking facilities. Ibex, wild goats originally shipped from Iran, may be encountered. www.cityofdeming.org
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
St. Clair Winery & Visitor Center. 575.546.1179 www.stclairvineyards.com Pancho Villa State Park. Located on the site of old Camp Furlong where Villa raided the U.S. This 49-acre park offers a massive desert botanical garden, camping and museum/visitor center. 575-531-2711 U.S. and Mexico Port of Entry. 24-hour crossing Columbus / Palomas. 3 miles south of Columbus. 575-531-2686
LUNA COUNTY AND PALOMAS, MEXICO EVENTS Raid Day Commemorative in Columbus. 866-397-2406 Mar 10-11 Rockhound Roundup. 575-544-1013 May 5 Cinco de Mayo May 23-24 Bluegrass Festival at Rockhound State Park. 575-546-6182 Jul 4 Fireworks and Entertainment at the Deming Baseball Field. 575-546-2674 Aug 21-24 Great American Duck Race. 888-345-1125 Aug 23 Hummingbird Festival at Rockhound State Park. 575-546-6182 Sep 24-28 Southwestern NM State Fair. 575-544-8561 Oct 11-12 St. Clair Winery Festival. 575-546-5394 Oct 12 Czechoslovakian Klobase Barbecue. 800-878-4955 Dec 6 Christmas Light Parade in downtown Deming. 575-546-2674 Mar 8
LOCATION Deming is located at the junction of Interstate 10, US180 and NM11, next to Rockhound State Park and 34 miles north of the U.S. border with Mexico.
TOUR ROUTE From Deming, head south on NM11 for 31 miles to reach the historic village of Columbus, NM, and for international shopping and dining in Palomas, Mexico. Return to Deming on NM11 and travel east on IH-10 for 59 miles to Las Cruces.
MORE INFORMATION Deming Luna County Chamber of Commerce 575-546-2674 or 800-848-4955 www.demingchamber.com chamber@zianet.com OLD WEST COUNTRY / DEMING
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Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill
Holiday Inn - Deming
Relax, unwind, and enjoy some awesome food served by friendly local individuals. Enjoy an adult beverage and watch the game on three TV’s.
Largest and nicest courtyard in town with a new outdoor swimming pool. Suites with large Jacuzzi tubs and pets stay free. 4600 East Pine Deming, NM 88030 575.546.2661 • www.HolidayInn.com
4600 East Pine • Deming, NM 88030 575.546.2661
Luna Rossa Winery
CENTURY 21 Deming Realty Co.
Come visit us and simply taste wine which display our passion and commitment to growing the finest grapes in the southwest. 3710 W. Pine • Deming, NM 88030 575.544.1160 1750 calle de Mercado • Mesilla, NM 88046 575.526.2484 www.LunaRossaWinery.com
Full service real estate office: residential property, multi-family, vacant land, commercial, farms and ranches and property management. 220 S. Gold • Deming, NM 88030 575.546.8818 www.c21drc.com
Endless Trails Retreat Gallery- NM Artists Fly In – Drive In Retreat. Nightly, Weekly +
575.642.3641 • 575.531.1018 Awe88029.com
Dairy Queen La Quinta Complimentary Breakfast - Free Hi Speed 24 Hour Front Desk Service Pool and Jacuzzi - Fitness Center Guest Laundry Room 4300 E. Pine • Deming, NM 88030 575.546.0600 www.lq.com
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
- Great Food - Great Treats - Senior Discount - Ice Cream Cakes DQ Gift Cards Available Credit / Debit Cards Accepted
1414 E. Pine • Deming, NM 575.546.8201 www.dq.com
RE/MAX Country Associates Serving Luna County For All Real Estate Needs. Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results. 1410 South Columbus Rd., Suite B Deming, New Mexico 88030
575.544.4450 www.countryassociatesnm.com
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Whatever time of year you visit Deming, be sure to return in August for the Great American Duck Race. A popular celebration for over a quarter of a century, this event pays cash purses for winning ducks and 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. Here you’ll find the towns of Columbus, New Mexico, USA and Puerto Palomas de Villa in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. RVers have long made Pancho Villa State Park at Columbus a destination for shaking off their wintertime blues. The park recently unveiled its new $1.3 million education and visitor center. Palomas is always a bustling place where visitors discover a bonanza of bargains on handmade goods from all of Mexico. It also offers excellent dental and pharmaceutical facilities, as well as overnight accommodations. Publisher’s Note: The laws are changing regarding documents required to return to the United States. Check with U.S. Customs before leaving the U.S. All items purchased in Mexico must be declared when returning to the U.S. and Mexican law strictly forbids carrying guns or ammunition into Mexico.
above: The Columbus Museum houses railroad memorabilia and highlights Pancho Villa’s raid on the border community. The railroad station played an important role in the subsequent punitive raid mounted by General “Blackjack” Pershing.
relics
forts
& realism
DOÑA ANA COUNTY Fort Selden. A State Monument.
GRANT COUNTY
FORTS, GHOST TOWNS & FAMOUS BUILDINGS OF OLD WEST COUNTRY Old West Country is indeed the authentic Old West, the real thing. Visitors discover that historic sites in Southwest New Mexico are places where the past can be seen, explored, touched and, with a little imagination, relived. The walls of old forts stand as sentinels to the process of change in the Southwest. Headframes from the era of underground mining still dot the foothills from Truth or Consequences to Silver City. Buildings still stand that were inhabited by Old West bad boys like Billy the Kid and the Clantons. Mining and railroad ghost towns throughout the area offer the unique and almost eerie feeling of meeting up with the spirit of a wronged gunfighter or dance hall girl. Even the dwelling of cultures that predated the arrival of the Spanish colonizers by centuries have been preserved. The wide swaths of trails used for the movement of Spanish and Mexican supplies between Mexico City and Santa Fe as well as the westward movement of American wagon trains can still be seen across desert landscapes. The publishers of Old West Trails encourage visitors to research specific sites and then enjoy an authentic adventure back across time. Obtaining directions, road conditions and other information locally is advised. Verify the property status of the area you wish to visit and always respect the rights of private property owners.
Fort Bayard. On the National Register of Historic Places. Santa Rita del Cobre Fort. A replica of Fort Webster.
LUNA COUNTY Fort Cummings Ruins. Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
SOCORRO COUNTY Fort Craig. A BLM Special Management area on the National Register of Historic Places.
ghost towns CATRON COUNTY Clairmont. Mogollon. Lightly populated.
Doña Ana County Dripping Springs.
HIDALGO COUNTY Shakespeare. 575-542-9034 Steins. May be closed, call 575-542-9864 or 575-542-8149
SIERRA COUNTY Chloride. Population 11. Cuchillo. Kingston. Hillsboro. Lake Valley. Operated by BLM.
SOCORRO COUNTY Kelly. Obtain visitor’s pass at the rock shop. San Antonio. The Hilton section is south of the present town.
historic buildings DOÑA ANA COUNTY San Albino Church.
GRANT COUNTY Silver City Museum.
LUNA COUNTY Custom House. Luna County Courthouse. On the National Register of Historic Places.
SIERRA COUNTY The Pioneer Store. On the State List of Historic Buildings.
SOCORRO COUNTY The Capitol Bar.
The ghost town of Mogollon above Glenwood was a tumultuous goldmining community located in a picturesque canyon on the northern edge of America’s first designated wilderness area.
OLD WEST COUNTRY / FORTS & GHOST TOWNS
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LAS CRUCES & MESILLA / DONA ANA COUNTY
center: A Flamenco troupe from Santa Fe performs in historic Mesilla Plaza. Year round shopping and dining make the location a popular regional destination. inset: The walls of Fort Seldon north of Las Cruces conjure images of late 1800s military life. opposite: Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area located on the back side of the jagged Organ Mountains provides excellent hiking and picnic facilities for the Las Cruces Area.
ATTRACTIONS Branigan Cultural Center & Art Museum. History exhibits, art and 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. Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 am-12 noon. Local produce and crafts. Downtown Mall. 575-528-3276
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
Fort Selden. An 1800s cavalry fort that was utilized by the Buffalo Soldiers. Visitor center and living history demonstrations. 575-526-8911 Leasburg Dam State Park. Fishing, campsites and swimming. 19 miles northwest of Las Cruces. 575-524-4068 Mesilla Mercado. Local produce & crafts. Every Thursday & Sunday on Mesilla Plaza. 575-524-3262 New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. 3000 years of New Mexico
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
agricultural history. 4100 Dripping Springs 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 church built 1907. Old Mesilla Plaza. 575-526-9349 St. Clair Winery. A variety of local wine. 1800 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-524-0390.
START YOUR
Mesilla
EXPERIENCE today!
Rated among the nation’s top communities for business and retirement, Las Cruces is surging into the third millennium with its sights set on keeping pace with the rapid growth of White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss, Texas, and the plans for Spaceport America. For the traveler and the potential retiree, a host of opportunities includes numerous historic sites, unique museums, galleries, a nature park and a restored downtown main street area. Unfolding across the fertile Mesilla Valley for the past century, New Mexico’s City of the Crosses now claims four excellent golf courses with another on the way. A paved bicycle and walking path stretches for miles along the river and scenic hiking trails are maintained on both sides of the Organ Mountains. Just upstream and over the mountains are cavalry forts, ghost towns, lakes and national monuments. History buffs will enjoy Fort Selden State Monument and visitor center just north of
World-class shopping and dining in the very buildings that kindled 150 years of vibrant Southwest history. Photograph a stunning plaza where the Gadsden Purchase was ratified, buildings that served the Confederate Army and the Butterfield Stage, and the courthouse where Billy the Kid was tried for murder. Take a self-guided tour, visit our museum, hike the river or bicycle through the pecan orchards on El Camino Real Scenic Byway. You’ll barely make a dent in one day, so plan to spend the night at our boutique hotel or old west bed & breakfast.
The J. Paul Taylor Visitor Center 575.524.3262
www.oldmesilla.org Town of Mesilla • P.O. Box 10 Mesilla, NM 88046
DONA ANA COUNTY EVENTS Apr 18-22 14th Annual Border Book Festival. www.borderbookfestival.org 575-523-3988 May 3-4 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Mesilla. www.vivamesilla.org 575-524-3262 May 24-26 So. New Mexico Wine Festival. www.nmwine.com 575-522-1232 Aug 30-31 Hatch Chile Festival. www.hatchchilefest.com 575-267-5050 Sep 13-14 Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta in Mesilla. www.vivamesilla.org 575-524-3262 Sep 26-28 The Whole Enchilada Fiesta. www.enchiladafiesta.com 575-526-1938 Oct 1-5 Southern New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo www.snmstatefair.org 575-524-8602 Oct 25-26 Dia de los Muertos at the Plaza www.vivamesilla.org 575-647-2369 Nov 1 Dia de los Muertos at the Plaza www.vivamesilla.org 575-647-2369 Nov 1-2 37th Ann. Renaissance Arts Faire. 575-523-6403 www.daarts.org Nov TBA International Mariachi Conference & Concert. www.lascrucesmariachi.org 575-525-1735 Dec 24 Christmas Carols & Luminarias on the Plaza in Mesilla. www.vivamesilla.org 575-647-2639
LOCATION Las Cruces and Old Mesilla straddle the Rio Grande at the junction of Interstate Highways 10 and 25, 46 miles north of the El Paso/Juarez international metroplex.
TOUR ROUTE Mesilla borders Las Cruces on the southwest side of IH-10. Travel east on IH-10 and exit north on IH-25 for 75 miles to Truth or Consequences.
MORE INFORMATION Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-343-7827 or 575-541-2444 www.lascrucescvb.org OLD WEST COUNTRY / LAS CRUCES & MESILLA
13
Las Cruces Mesilla Resource Directory
DreamCatcher Inn Bed & Breakfast de Las Cruces
Renew body and spirit at this peaceful adobe style Inn, located at the foot of the Organ Mountains. A fully accessible facility ideal for personal getaways, small retreats and family gatherings. Anita L. McLeod
10201 Starfly Road Las Cruces, NM Uno Chicago Grill
575.522.3035 866.298.1935
Voted #1 Pizza Nationwide
www.dreamcatcherinn.com
Voted #1 Happy Hour in Las Cruces
2102 Telshor Court Las Cruces, NM 575.522.8866 www.unos.com
Humane Society of Southwestern New Mexico "Bringing the Community Together for the Animals"
575.521.3642 www.hssnm.org
Best Western Mission Inn
• Free Full Breakfast • Swimming Pool • High Speed Internet • Microwave and Refrigerator in rooms • Largest rooms in town • Free Access to local Racquetball and Health Club • Blue Agave Restaurant and Hidden Forest Lounge on premises.
1765 South Main Las Cruces, NM
575.524.8591 www.bestwestern.com
Space Murals Inc.
Museum & Gift Shop
Walk Through Space and Aviation History. Space Artifacts Astronaut Gallery - Model Airplanes Space Station Replica + Lots More Free Admission - 7 days a Week Mon-Sat 9-5 - Sun 10-5
575.382.0977 12450 Hwy. 70 E. Las Cruces,NM Casa Del Sol "Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Las Cruces"
575.522.0404 or 575.202.6727
Josefina’s Old Gate
In the Heart of Old Mesilla. • Light breakfast and lunch • Outdoor Patio • Beautiful Courtyard • Bridesmaid Luncheons • Wedding and Baby Showers • Tea Parties
575.525.2620 2261 Calle de Guadalupe Mesilla, NM www.josefinasoldgate.com
town, keeping the lingering spirits of this 1800s cavalry fort active. Adjacent campsites are available at Leasburg Dam State Park. And with the world’s largest international metropolis and host to outstanding shopping, gambling and dining experiences located just 40 miles down river, Las Cruces is truly the hub for whatever your heart desires. The jewel of the valley, Old Mesilla, offers an escape from daily stress to a reallife Old West setting. With a traditional plaza surrounded by Spanish territorial architecture and the towers of San Albino Church, 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 Butterfield Overland Mail and Stage Line, the site for the signing of the Gadsden Purchase and a post for Confederate Troops. The saga of Billy the Kid includes Mesilla where he escaped a scheduled hanging in 1881. above: The elegantly restored Rio Grande Theatre was built in 1926 and seats 422 people. The old Las Cruces movie house is now utilized as a performing arts center and serves as the anchor for ongoing downtown renovations.
photo by Sarah Cearley
below: old courthouse in Hillsboro. right, left to right: Opera House in Pinos Altos, underground mining operation near Hanover, Kelly Mine works, old ore car at Chloride, school house museum at Lake Valley, assay office in Kingston, ore loading chutes in Mogollon.
Historic
MINING TOWNS A number of the towns that the mining industry built in its heyday remain today in Old West Country, but the ringing of double-jack hammers and the roar of black powder are sounds that have faded from the foothills. Several of the towns are still lightly inhabited, have become repopulated or are presently managed by government agencies. All of them played a role in creating the wealth of Old West Country and the nation. The towns of Winston, Chloride, Lake Valley, Hillsboro and Kingston are historic mining towns forming an informative day trip from the Truth or Consequences area. The mining villages of Pinos Altos and Fierro are accessed from Silver City. The scenic mining community of Mogollon is accessible from Glenwood and Kelly is near Magdalena.
CHLORIDE Mineral: Silver. The Pioneer Store has been turned into a world-class museum, and the Monte Cristo Saloon is now an upscale gallery. FIERRO Mineral: Copper, Iron and Zinc. The first copper mine was established by a German immigrant in 1841. A small population remains today. HILLSBORO Mineral: Gold. Post office opened in 1879 and has never closed. Served as county seat for 54 years. Over 200 residents remain in the picturesque village. KINGSTON Mineral: Silver. Founded in 1882, the population peaked at 7000. Remaining buildings include assay office, Percha Bank and Victorio Hotel. LAKE VALLEY Mineral: Silver. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Bridal Chamber, a legendary large deposit of almost pure silver, was discovered here. KELLY Mineral: Lead, Copper, Zinc and Silver. A small church, several ruins and foundations and remnants of the mine works remain as testimony to the once-bustling town located just south of Magdalena. MOGOLLON Mineral: Gold and Silver. Located on the northern edge of the Gila Wilderness near Glenwood, its precious metal bullion was once hauled to Silver City by mule teams. PINOS ALTOS Mineral: Gold. Named for the tall trees in the area. Village merchants accepted gold dust in trade well into the 20th century. WINSTON Mineral: Silver. Originally called Fairview, it was home to about 200 people who preferred the quieter town over nearby rambunctious Chloride.
OLD WEST COUNTRY / HISTORIC MINING TOWNS
15
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES / SIERRA COUNTY
Known as “America’s Most Affordable Spa Town,” Truth or Consequences has long been a destination for those seeking to rejuvenate their spirit in its hot mineral waters. The Hot Springs Historic Bathhouse and Commercial District sits atop one of the largest aquifers in North America, producing over two million gallons of hot mineral water each day. The town’s original name of Los Ojos Calientes de las Palomas has gone through some modifications over the years. Popularly referred to as Palomas Hot Springs, the name officially became Hot Springs in 1914. In 1950, a promotional offer by Ralph Edwards of the radio and TV show “Truth or Consequences” persuaded the town’s citizens to change its name. The hot mineral springs continue to draw visitors from around the world. Today, ten spas and bathhouses offer soaks in these recuperative hot springs as well as a complete range of massage and other rejuvenating healing arts treatments for weary travelers. It’s not just the hot springs that draw visitors to Truth or Consequences. A growing community of artists has turned downtown storefronts into galleries, boutiques and second hand stores. On the second Saturday of every month, over 20 shops open their doors from 6-9 pm for the downtown gallery district Art Hop, where “hoppers” are taxied by a mule team driven wagon from shop to shop.
ATTRACTIONS Black Range Ranger District. Camping, hiking, picnicking. 575-894-6677 Caballo Lake State Park. Boat launch sites, campsites, picnicking and visitor center. 575-743-3942
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Campsites, visitor center, water sports and trails. 575-744-5421 Geronimo Springs Museum. Area history, pottery collections and minerals. 211 Main St. 575-894-6600
Veteran's Memorial Park and Viet Nam Memorial Wall. 996 South Broadway, T or C. 575-470-7111 Truth or Consequences Hot Springs. Indoor tubs, bath houses and saunas. 575-894-6600 www.spatown.com
Natural wonders abound in the area. The birding in and around Truth or Consequences is renowned. Hiking, mountain biking, and water sports are all “adventure sports” that visitors can experience in Truth or Consequences and throughout Sierra County. If history is what brings you to Old West Country, the Geronimo Springs Museum and Geronimo Trail Visitors and Interpretive Center take visitors on an historic journey of the area. For an up close and personal look at history, day trips to the historic mining towns of Cuchillo, Winston, Chloride, Hillsboro and Kingston offer visitors a step back in time.
COLDWELL BANKER
TURTLE MOUNTAIN REALTY Gretchen Campbell, Owner/Broker www.GretchenCampbell.com gretchen@riolink.com 575.744.4960 Bus. 575.744.4999 Fax 575.740.1487 Cell • 603 Main St.
Tor C, NM
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated.
BLACKSTONE HOTSPRINGS offers the ultimate luxury lodging: • Hotspring Mineral bath in your room • HBO, Showtime, XM Radio and free wireless internet • Continental kitchen (fridge, coffee maker, microwave) Non-lodging guests can also use our hotspring spa.
RED HAVEN MOTEL Nostalgic / Best Value! 1940’s service with free big city amenities!
410 Austin - T or C, NM - 575.894.0894 www.BlackstoneHotsprings.com
605 N. Date St. - T or C, NM
575.894.2964 www.RedHavenMotel.com
opposite: Galleries, hot mineral baths and museums are great reasons to visit Truth or Consequences. Add the state’s top water sport facilities at Elephant Butte to your agenda and follow the Geronimo Trail to old mining camps tucked into the Black Range mountains.
SIERRA COUNTY EVENTS
CELESTIAL CREATIONS
59th Annual Truth or Consequences Fiesta. 575-894-6600 Jul 5 Fireworks Display at Elephant Butte Lake State Park 575-744-5923 Sep 13-14 Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta, 575-744-5923 Oct 10-12 Sierra County Fair, Sierra County Fairgrounds, T or C 575-894-2375 Oct 24-26 NM Old Time Fiddlers State Championship Fiddle Contest, 575-894-1002 Dec 13 Beachwalk Luminaria Festival and Floating Lights Parade of Boats Elephant Butte Lake State Park 575-744-5923 For more information on the above events call the Sierra County Visitor Center at 800-831-9487 or visit www.sierracountynewmexico.info
The Best of New Mexico Made! Art, Home Décor, Gourmet Foods, Gifts, Jewelry, Apparel & More!
May 2-4
LOCATION Truth or Consequences sits between IH-25 and the Rio Grande, atop hot springs generously feeding local bathhouses and spas
TOUR ROUTE
220 N. Date T or C, NM
575.894.7591
www.celestial-creations-nm.com
SIERRA GRANDE LODGE & SPA A desert sanctuary to delight the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. On the National Register of Historic Places.
LOS ARCOS -
A Truth or Consequences Landmark. Steak - Lobster Seafood - Cocktails. Early Bird Specials 5-7pm Every Night. Excellent Food & Service – in a Pleasantly Different Atmosphere. Banquet Rooms - Outdoor Patio - Package Liquor. Open Daily @ 5pm.
1400 N. Date - T or C, NM
The Perfect Destination!
501 McAdoo - T or C, NM 575.894.6976
www.sierragrandelodge.com
575.844.6200
GERONIMO TRAIL NATIONAL SCENIC B Y W AY – encompasses
From Truth or Consequences, proceed five miles north to the City of Elephant Butte.
MORE INFORMATION Sierra County Visitors Information 575-894-6600 www.sierracountynewmexico.info Truth or Consequences/Sierra County Chamber of Commerce 575-894-3536 Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce 575-744-4708 www.elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com info@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway Visitor’s Center 575-894-1968 or 1-800-831-9487
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.
PELICAN SPA Affordable lodging with the most private mineral baths in town!
306 S. Pershing - T or C, NM
575.894.0055 www.pelican-spa.com
some of the most spectacular beauty in the Southwest. Old mining towns, museums, art galleries and outdoor activities abound.
211 Main St. - T or C, NM 575.894.1968 800.831.9487 www.geronimotrail.com
Paid with City of Truth or Consequences Consequences lodgers lodgers tax tax funds funds
OLD WEST COUNTRY / TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
17
CITY OF ELEPHANT BUTTE / SIERRA COUNTY
Spread across a hillside overlooking New Mexico’s largest lake, the City of Elephant Butte is a growing resort and retirement community. It offers RV facilities, restaurants, hotels and motels, guide services, marinas and watercraft rentals. Each September it sponsors the Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta which features hot air balloons, skydivers and drag boats from across the country. An exciting nighttime special event is the Beach Walk Luminaria Festival and Lighted Boat Parade held annually at Christmas. The occasion dazzles the eye with thousands of luminarias lining a specially designed path on the beach. Along the way, campfires, live music and food provided by local vendors warm both body and soul. The celebration also includes a parade of illuminated boats, ending with prizes awarded for the most amusingly or elaborately decorated watercraft or RV. Elephant Butte Lake is around forty miles long with nearly 200 miles of shoreline. It is the state’s premier water sports destination, attracting almost a million visitors annually. 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, the waters are stocked with many species of game fish, including walleye, white, black and largemouth bass; crappie and record-setting stripers. Land-based recreational activities include hiking, birding and special events throughout the year. The Elephant Butte Lake State Park Visitor Center will interest rockhounds with its fossil and geologic
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
ELEPHANT BUTTE INN AND SPA
photo by Dustin Smith
"An Enchanting Retreat from the Ordinary"
• Lakeview Rooms • Full Service Spa & Salon • Golf & Spa Packages • Ivory Tusk Tavern & Restaurant • Conference Facilities • Free Wi-Fi • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Heated Outdoor Pool (Seasonal)
401 Highway 195 | Elephant Butte, NM 575.744.5431 | w w w.ElephantButteInn.com
ELEPHANT BUTTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE “New Mexico’s Diamond in the Desert” Elephant Butte is the premiere recreation destination in the state of New Mexico. Nestled along the shores of the largest lake in the state, the city of Elephant Butte offers year-round sunshine and a comfortable climate. “Elephant Butte-Stay and Play!”
608 Highway 195 | Elephant Butte
575.744.4708 exhibits. Fans of engineering and history will enjoy the story of the early 20th century construction of the dam that created the lake, which is named for an extinct volcano that is now an island landmark in the reservoir. opposite: Elephant Butte Lake is New Mexico’s largest body of water and facilities support house boats, fishing, water skiing, jet skis, camping and a whole lot more. above, top: The 44.6 lb. Striper caught by Ron Campos with guide Frank Vilorio was the biggest fish caught in New Mexico in 2007 above: Golf facilities rank among the top in the state.
w w w.ElephantButteChamberOfCommerce.com info@elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
COLDWELL BANKER Desert Lakes Realty Serving The Real Estate Needs For All of Sierra County. For residential, commercial, multi-family, Farm, Ranch, vacant land or lots. Our agents will provide professional, courteous service. “ Exclusive agents for Sierra County’s newest subdivisions, situated on the east side of Elephant Butte Lake. Features include excellent covenants and restrictions plus panoramic views”.
509 Hwy; P.O. Box 1083 Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935
LOCATION
The City of Elephant Butte is located just off IH-25, on the edge of New Mexico’s largest recreational lake.
TOUR Rejoin IH-25 and travel north 68 miles past Camino Real International Heritage Center to Socorro.
MORE INFORMATION
Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce 575-744-4708
575.744.4960 Office • 575.744.4999 Fax 575.740.1487 Cell • www.ColdwellBanker.com www.Realtor.com • www.GretchenCampbell.com
LAND OF ENCHANTMENT FISHING ADVENTURES Let Pro fisherman Frank Vilorio guide you on New Mexico’s largest lake, Elephant Butte, for Stripers, White Bass, Catfish, Large Mouth Bass and Walleye. Elephant Butte’s most experienced guide service. 313 Odessa / P.O. Box 1336 | Elephant Butte, NM 87935 575.744.4346 | www.StripersNewMexico.com OLD WEST COUNTRY / ELEPHANT BUTTE
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SOCORRO / SOCORRO COUNTY
Touting a unique blend of history, nature and technology, Socorro is internationally renowned for its San Miguel Parish serving weary travelers on El Camino Real since 1615, the migratory bird facilities at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and its immense role with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. A notable destination for golfers, rockhounds, nature photographers, campers and hikers, the town offers unique experiences found within an hour’s drive in all directions.
ATTRACTIONS Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Visitor center, auto tour, hiking and year-round birding. 16 miles south of Socorro. 575-838-2120. www.friendsofthebosque.org Cibola National Forest–Magdalena Dist. Made up of the largest collection of historic ranchlands in New Mexico. 575-854-2281 El Camino Real International Heritage Center. 575-854-3600 Mineralogical Museum. More than 9,500 mineral specimens. Fossils. 575-835-5420. www.geoinfo.nmt.edu
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
NM Institute of Mining and Technology. 801 Leroy Pl., on campus, 1-800-428-8324 N.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
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Trinity Site. Site of world’s first atomic bomb explosion. Open twice a year; the first Saturday in April and Oct.. 575-479-6124 The Boxcar Museum. Local history, artifacts of Wild West, mining, cattle drives, circa 1885-1930. Located next to AT&SF Railroad Depot. 108 N. Main St. Magdalena 575-854-2261 www.magdalena-nm.com Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Visitor center, self-guided tours, world’s largest radio-telescope array on the Plains of San Agustin. 575-835-7000. www.nrao.ed
At the center of town, the plaza offers a relaxing venue for initiating your adventure and a little shopping for hard to please friends. A block away is the historic San Miguel church, a center of activity for centuries. A few blocks further is New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. The campus includes a mineral museum containing one of the opposite, center: Socorro Plaza provides a relaxing centerpiece for the community’s shopping and business district. opposite, inset: The golf course on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology has been ranked in New Mexico’s top ten. above: The historic Val Verde Hotel and courtyard preserve an era in Socorro history.
SOCORRO COUNTY EVENTS 22-24 Battles of Socorro, Civil War Re-enactment, 575-835-8927 Socorro Springs Open Golf Jun 1-7 Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course 575-835-5335 www.socorrospringsopen.com Oct 1-4 14th Annual Enchanted Skies Star Party, NM Tech Observatory, 575-835-8927 Oct 10-11 6th Ann.Socorro Fest, Historic Plaza 575-835-8927 www.socorrofest.com Nov 18-23 21th Annual Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache Refuge, 575-835-8927 www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane For more information on any of the above events please call the Socorro Visitor Center at 575-835-8927 or visit www.socorronm.gov Feb
LOCATION Socorro is located at the junction of IH-25 and US60, the rest stop for historic travelers and migratory birds.
TOUR ROUTE Travel 27 miles west on US60 to Magdalena, the “Trail’s End.” before continuing past the Very Large Array to Datil and on to Quemado on US60 or to Reserve on NM12 and Glenwood on US180.
MORE INFORMATION Socorro Visitor Center 575-835-8927 www.socorronm.gov
OLD WEST COUNTRY / SOCORRO
21
For Reservations Call:
800-4-Motel 6 or
(800-466-8356) 807 South US Highway 85 • Socorro, New Mexico 87801 575-835-4300 • Fax: 575-835-3108
www.Motel6.com A Unique Selection of Gifts for All Reasons & Seasons.
575.835.2498 116-118 Plaza, Socorro, NM
• 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 • Imports Mon.-Sat. 9am to 5:30pm
SOCORRO, NM
Betty Houston LEGACY
REALTOR®, GRI, CRB A HouseSold Word In Socorro. Whether buying or selling, please allow me to put my knowledge and experience to work for you.
Office: 575-835-1422 Cell: 505-440-8297 bhouston@socorronmproperty.com 22
2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
world’s finest mineral collections, a respected golf course and facilities for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. From Socorro, visitors can travel west through Magdalena, a historic mining, cattle and railroad town, before emerging onto the high Plains of San Agustin and the Very Large Array Radio Telescope. At the visitor center, one learns how 27 huge antenna dishes, each 82 feet in diameter can move along three intersecting stretches of track, each 13 miles in length and operating as a single unit. VLA data from deep space is processed at the Socorro facility as well as data recovered from the Very Long Baseline Array, a series of ten clusters of radio telescopes stretching from the Virgin Islands to Hawaii. Traveling south from Socorro and exiting at the village of San Antonio, the 1880s site of the first Hilton Hotel, visitors can work their way south to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Home to a variety of wildlife year-round, the 57,000-acre refuge is also a feeding and resting point for thousands of migratory birds comprising 377 identified
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
above: From facilities located in Socorro, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory controls the Very Large Array of radio telescopes east of Socorro and the Very Long Baseline Array spread from the Virgin Islands to Hawaii. opposite: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge provides viewing facilities and feeding grounds for wave after wave of migrating birds in the late fall.
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species, including bald eagles, snow geese and sandhill cranes. Each year in late autumn, people from around the world come to watch the grand spectacle as birds arrive at the shallow marshlands and depart again in huge flocks that resemble clouds blocking the sun. One need not be a devoted birding enthusiast to enjoy the occasion or the area. Hikers appreciate the nature trails, one to nine miles in length, which offer fantastic opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. A 12-mile auto tour loop gives visitors an overview of the beauty of the place, and the Bosque Nature Store, a bookstore and gift shop, is open all year. History fans will want to travel another 20 miles southward to visit the recently completed El Camino Real International Heritage Center and the nearby ruins of Fort Craig, one of the largest forts of the Old West era. The site also includes a small museum. Northeast of Socorro are the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, impressive remnants of Spanish colonization efforts. Socorro is the hub for a number of other outdoor destinations and recreational areas including Box Canyon, Escondida Lake Park, San Lorenzo Canyon, Water Canyon Campground and the Quebradas Backcountry Scenic Byway.
Jeanene Hall, GRI Owner/Broker 505-507-3065 jhall@mrgrealty.com
Don Brown Associate Broker 505-507-2915 dbrown@mrgrealty.com
Betsy Smith Associate Broker 575-835-8158 bsmith@mrgrealty.com
Norma Meeks Associate Broker 505-550-0235 nmeeks@mrgrealty.com
Denise Shrum Associate Broker 575-835-6046 dshrum@mrgrealty.com
Denelda Chavez Associate Broker 575-418-1408 dchavez@mrgrealty.com
Buying Property? We’ll Show You the Way: From the initial search to settling into your new home, Coldwell Banker Middle Rio Grande Realty, has all the tools to show you the way home, so call us today, we’ll help make buying a home simple.
Middle Rio Grande Realty 315 N. California St. • P.O. Box 888 • Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-0888 • 1-800-687-2615 www.socorronmrealestate.com Each office is independently owned & operated Other Services We Offer: Home Warranty Programs • Coldwell Banker Mortgage
Call Toll Free: 1-877-246-4456 • Pre-Qualify and get Pre-Approved Today!
The Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory. 27 Radio Telescopes Visitor Center • Gift Shop OPEN DAILY
52 Miles West of Socorro on Highway 60 575.835.7410 • www.nrao.edu
Fite Ranch Bed and Breakfast Offering sensational views of sunsets and wildlife, nestled east of the Rio Grande. Come experience the down-home hospitality of a working cattle ranch.
7 12⁄ miles east of San Antonio, New Mexico on Highway 380. For reservations, please contact Linda Brown
575-838-0958 www.fiteranchbedandbreakfast.com OLD WEST COUNTRY / SOCORRO
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MAGDALENA
Photo by John Larson
The picturesque village of Magdalena, sitting on the high grassy plains that fan out below 10,800-foot South Baldy Peak, just minutes away from the drop-off into the Rio Grande Valley, has doggedly celebrated its ties to the arts and 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 its family tree that welcomes the high tech participants of the Very Large Array. Galleries and shops occupying historic buildings are part of the makeup of this small community. Local and non-local artwork and cowboy art can be found as well as rustic and Southwest furniture, handcrafted Navajo jewelry and lots of collectables. A slice of history can be witnessed in the “Box Car Museum” and the restored Santa Fe Railroad Depot serves as the Magdalena Village offices. The “good ole days” are relived at the annual three-day Magdalena Old Timers Reunion held in July. Known as the “Trails End,” Magdalena was the termination of a railroad spur extended from the east in 1885 and the 125-mile “Stock Driveway” from the west. Usage of the cattle trail peaked in 1919 when 150,000 sheep and 21,000 cattle entered the still intact Magdalena stockyards. The era was rich with the tales of pioneer families, main street shoot-outs, John Wayne-style cattle drives and mining activities. The nearby mining ghost town of Kelly was home to about 3000 people during its prosperous late-1800s heyday. A small, whitewashed church, foundations, remnants of mining activities and a graveyard are all that remain. A visitor permit is required. Twenty miles to the west is the Very Large Array of radio telescopes. Operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, a visitor center explains the site’s role in mapping the universe.
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www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Affordable
Vacations EVENTS Feb
Apr May May Jul
Aug Aug Sep Oct
Nov
Dec
Dec Dec
2-4 pm Fashion Show featuring hand made wearable art. 15-17 “You Might As Well Live!” Dorothy 23-24 Parker’s witty, bittersweet & wildly funny stories & poetry. 19 Honor the Earth Reception. 3 2nd Anniversary of Gallery Opening and Student Art Show Awards. Spring Street Fair 10 11-13 Old Timers Reunion, Rodeo, Pancake Breakfast, Arts & Crafts, BBQ, Music and much more. 1 Mixed Media and ATC Show Reception. 2 Artists’ Trading Cards Workshop. 20 Fall Harvest Fair. 24-26 “AN HOUR IN THE SUN”, Modern Every woman's lyrical and satirical diary of Desire and the Survival Shuffle. (Tentative Selection) 1-2 “AN HOUR IN THE SUN”, Modern Every woman's lyrical & satirical diary of Desire and the Survival Shuffle. (Tentative) 5-7 “A NEW YEAR IN LOST WIFE CREEK”. Set in 1930's/Depression-era New Mexico; reviewed as “Historic, hilarious, nostalgic...” 6 Holiday Art Exhibit Reception/Holiday Party. 5, 12, 19 Nights of Lights. 2
MORE INFORMATION Magdalena Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 281, Magdalena, NM 87825 866-854-3217 www.magdalena-nm.com email: info@magdalena-nm.com
Did you know that a family of four (with children 8 and 16) can visit our top 10 attractions 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, had consistently low vacation dollars spent in this region. The latest study in December 2005 showed the average California couple spent $2227 for their 4-6 night vacation in Old 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 buy in our 120 attractions for about $20.00. The admissions to all of our top 10 attractions was $48.00 for the family of 4, $37.00 for a couple. These attractions included the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Old Mesilla, Elephant Butte Lake, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, City of Rocks State Park, Very Large Array Radio Telescopes, 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 attraction)! No matter where you go in Old West Country the total cost for each of the seven county-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, check out www.oldwestcountry.com/familyfun.
$20 Family Fun for 4 at Old West’s Top Attractions
Top 10 Attractions
1 Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon.
$3
$3
2 Old Mesilla
$0
$0
$3/person ages 18+. Hot Springs: Gila $3/person, $4/p w/camping, Wildwood Hot Springs $5/person and $10/p w/camping
3 Elephant Butte Lake State Park
$5
$5
Fees: $5 day use, annual $40 all parks; add $18 overnight camping, annual $180-$225 all parks
4 Bosque del Apache Refuge
$3
$3
5 City of Rocks State Park
$5
$5
6 Very Large Array Telescopes
$0
$0
$3 per car load Fees: $5 day use, annual $40 all parks; add $18 overnight camping, annual $180-$225 all parks
7 The Catwalk Recreation Trail
$3
$3
8 NM Farm & Ranch Museum 9 Deming Luna Mimbres Museum
opposite: The Kelly church built in the late 1800’s is still used today for special functions.
Family 2 of 4 Adults
10 Shakespeare Ghost Town TOTAL
$3 p/car load for day use parking; no camping
$14 $10 $0
$0
Donations
$15
$8
Tours available; re-enactments
$48 $37
OLD WEST COUNTRY / MAGDALENA
25
Photo by Debra Sutton
RESERVE, GLENWOOD, DATIL & QUEMADO CATRON COUNTY
Catron County is a sparsely populated land of forests, mountain lakes and hiking trails. Three national forests, including Gila, Apache and Cibola share borders within New Mexico’s largest county. Snow Lake on the edge of the Gila Wilderness area and Quemado Lake just south of Quemado are excellent trout waters where only electric boat motors are allowed. Snow Lake is accessed by well-maintained dirt roads in the warmer months from either Glenwood or Reserve. Quemado Lake can be accessed from NM32 that connects US60 to the north and NM12 to the south. Glenwood on US 180 is the hub for the Catwalk National Recreation Trail and the ghost town of Mogollon. The Catwalk consists of a picnic area shaded by large cottonwood trees and an area of metal walkways clinging to the bluffs of a narrow canyon. Originally water pipes for gold mining were topped with a walkway known as a “catwalk”. The trail continues deep into the Gila Wilderness for hearty hikers and horseback excursions. Fly fishing Whitewater Creek is both challenging and rewarding. The Glenwood Ranger District alone maintains over 322 miles of hiking trails. Glenwood also has a state fish hatchery that is exciting for youngsters and grownups alike. The narrow, winding road from Glenwood to the gold mining ghost town of Mogollon is well worth the
ATTRACTIONS
Photo by Debra Sutton
Alma. Historic community 7 miles north of Glenwood.
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The Catwalk. Trail over suspended bridges in Whitewater Canyon 5 miles east of Glenwood. 575-539-2711. Clairmont. Ghost town 19 miles northeast of Glenwood. 575-533-6922 Cooney’s Tomb. Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. Burial of soldiers killed in a conflict with Apaches.
Mogollon. Ghost town 13 miles northeast of Glenwood. Snow Lake. In the Gila National Forest. Camping and fishing. 47 miles northeast of Glenwood. Quemado Lake. Camping and fishing, 11 miles south of Quemado. Whitewater Canyon. 5 miles east of Glenwood. 575-539-2711 WS Cemetery. WS Ranch B & B, Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. 575-539-2513
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
above: The view from Bearwallow Lookout north of Glenwood includes two states, two national forests and the nation’s first designated wilderness area. opposite, inset: Only two log cabins and a corral remain of the gold prospecting ghost town of Clairmont. above: Wildlife of all sizes abounds in the vast national forests of Catron County.
Photo by Kenny Sutton
Hitching Post Land Co. American West Properties Inc. Black Gold Emporium
patient drive. A number of buildings still occupy the bottom of a picturesque narrow canyon. At the east end of Catron County, Datil Well National Recreation Area provides campsites and hiking trails. Nearby Enchanted Tower attracts rock climbers. Reserve, the county seat, is also the site where a 19 year old, self-appointed lawman, Elfego Baca, endured a 33-hour shootout against incredible odds to resolve the abuse of local women. Several books have been written about the incident and a monument will soon mark the spot..
EVENTS Feb
10
Mar 10 Apr 24
Jul
TBA
Jul
TBA
Jul
TBA
Jul
21
Aug TBA Sep 8 Oct TBA
Glenwood Park Barrel Race and Pot Blessing. 575-539-2321 Dutch Oven Cook-Off in Glenwood Park. 575-539-2321 Unveiling of the Elfego Baca statue and dedication of the future Museum. Beginning at 11am July 4th Celebration in Glenwood. 575-539-2711 July 4th Celebration in Quemado and Reserve. 575-533-6968 Frisco CowBelles’ Annual Western Art Auction, Dance and Barbeque in Glenwood. 575-539-2711 Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo. 575-533-6968 Catron County Fair and Rodeo in Reserve. 575-533-6968 Pie Town Pie Festival. 575-772-2525 Elfego Baca Festival in Reserve. 575-533-6968
LOCATION Datil is located at the junction of US60 and NM12. Quemado is 43 miles west of Datil on US60, and Reserve is 67 miles southwest of Datil on NM12. Optional scenic route NM32 connects Quemado to NM12 toward Reserve.
TOUR From Reserve, proceed west on NM12 seven miles to US180 and turn south thirty miles to Glenwood and another 60 miles southeast to Silver City.
MORE INFORMATION Catron County Chamber 575-533-6116 www.catroncounty.org catron county
High Country Land Specialists. The best New Mexico has to offer! Beautiful wooded land from 3 acres with utilities to ranches of 140 acres. Owner financing available. Call Today! NE Corner of Highways 60 & 35.
PO Box 502 Quemado, NM 87829 575.773.4200 888.812.5830 toll free hitchingpost@gilanet.com
www.hitchingpostland.com
Specializing in unrestricted rural real estate and ranches throughout western New Mexico.
More than your typical convenience store. • Fine Art and Jewelry • Crafts • Natural Foods • Eclectic-Diverse Selection
2 Locations for Your Convenience:
7784A Hwy 60 Datil, NM 87821
FINEST COFFEE FOR 100 MILES
and
1609 N. Gold Street Silver City, NM 88061
PO Box 596 Reserve, NM 87830 575.533.6538
866.857.9357 www.amerwestproperties.com
Call us Toll Free
Apache RV Park
Alma Store & Grill Family Owned and Operated. • Restaurant • Fuel • Groceries • Ice • Video Rentals Open 7 Days a Week. Restaurant Open Daily 6am to 3pm Breakfast 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)
Whitewater Motel
Hunting, Fishing and lots of outdoor enjoyment.
Located nine miles north of Reserve in the heart of elk country. Shower, Laundry, Propane and Pull Though Spaces.
HC 62 Box 650 A, Reserve, NM • 575.533.6166 www.apachervpark.com
Quemado Land & Cattle Co.
Relax and enjoy vacationing at our retreat in the heart of Glenwood.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and forests. Dish Network, Air Conditioning, Fantastic Views, Spacious Backyard.
PO Box 158, Glenwood, NM • 575.539.2581 www.gilanet.com/whitewatermotel
Specializing in Recreational and Mountain Vacation Home sites,
with utilities in a gated master planned community. Deed restricted, world class hunting and fishing. Owner financing available.
PO Box 188, Reserve, NM • 575.773.4590 www.quemadolake.com • beverly@gilanet.com
Jose Andres Giron
Tres Amigos Enterprises Inc.
Visit the Studio / Gallery
Kenny Sutton, Licensed Contractor
of Jose Andres Giron in Lower Frisco (5 miles south of Reserve)
• New Construction • Remodeling • Adobe Homes • Custom Homes
Glenwood, New Mexico 575.539.2584 • 505.469.1561
PO Box 545, Reserve, NM • 575.533.6968 www.artegiron.com • email: jag@artegiron.com
Henry’s Corner
Glenwood Realty • Ranches • Farms • Residential • Commercial
An experienced team for all you Real Estate needs.
In the heart of Reserve.
Gifts •Espresso Coffee Soft & Dip Ice Cream Elfego Baca Memorabilia. Hours: 7am to 9pm.
Darrel Allred, Qualifying Broker • Misty Riegel, Associate Broker
PO Box 38, Glenwood, NM • 575.539.2711 Fax: 575.539.2722 • www.realestate4newmexico.com
PO Box 595, Reserve, NM • 575.533.6488
Catron County Chamber of Commerce 575.533.6166 • www.CatronCounty.org
SILVER CITY / GRANT COUNTY
There is strength in numbers, and a few of Silver City’s may shake up your vacation or relocation plans. Consider the three million acres of forest and wilderness that cover the city’s back yard, crisscrossed by 1500 miles of trails, or the 310 species of birds identified in the region. How about those 30 art galleries saturated with a friendly, small town atmosphere? And you won’t find better year round temperatures… anywhere. The question may become, can you handle it? Can you walk through the historic downtown district without falling in love with every piece of artwork? Can you handle working in your office knowing that mild, sun-drenched weather will be enticing you daily to escape to your favorite fishing streams and lakes, another round of golf or simply your backyard garden?
center: Old head frames represent an era of underground mining in Grant County. inset: Silver City’s gallery clusters offer colorful accents and a lively presentation of the arts. opposite, top to bottom: Street sculpture and murals contribute to the appeal of Grant County’s historic districts. The Silver City Museum occupies a Victorian home built during the area’s first mining boom. Silver City Grant County restaurants offer enticing reasons for exploring the region.
ATTRACTIONS Big Ditch Park. Park formed when flood lowered Main St. 55 feet. Fort Bayard. U.S. Infantry post built in 1863. Housed Buffalo Soldiers. 10 miles east of Silver City. Gila National Forest/Silver City Ranger District. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque. 575-388-8201. www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila Kneeling Nun. Natural monolith resembling a praying nun. 15 mi. E. of Silver City at Santa Rita mine.
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Mimbres Region Arts Council. Scheduled events held throughout the year. 575-758-7289. www.mimbresarts.org Royal Scepter Mineral Museum. Rock shop, jewelry and gifts. 1805 Little Walnut. 575-538-9001. www.zianet.com/royal-scepter San Vicente Art Walks. Self-guided gallery and studio tour within walking distance in downtown Silver City. Call for map. 1-800-548-9378
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Silver City Museum. Area history, Indian artifacts, mining exhibits and Victorian furnishings. 312 W. Broadway. 575-538-5921. www.silvercitymuseum.org Western New Mexico University Museum. Local and natural history including the Eisele Collection of Prehistoric Southwestern Pottery and Artifacts, the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres pottery. 1000 W. College. 575-538-6386. www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm
Bill Evans Lake. Fishing and primitive camping, 12 miles south of Cliff. Aldo Leopold Vista. Picnic and wilderness interpretive site, 6 miles north of Buckhorn. Turkey Creek. Primitive trout stream northeast of Gila, NM. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Cliff dwelling ruins from the 13th century. 44 miles north of Silver City. 575-536-9461
Lake Roberts. Camping, trout fishing, hummingbird banding, birding and stargazing. 28 miles north of Silver City. 575-536-3206 Lightfeather Hot Spring. Near Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. 30 minute walk includes 2 river crossings. 575-536-9461 Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway. Loops north on NM15 to Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Monument,
southeast on NM35, and west on NM152 and US180. Hearst Church. Seasonal museum and art gallery. Built in 1898 with Hearst newspaper empire money. In Pinos Altos, 6 miles north of Silver City. Pinos Altos Melodrama Theater. Adjacent to the Buckhorn Saloon in the Pinos Altos Opera House. Great fun! Original melodramas. Call for schedule. 575-388-3848
OLD WEST COUNTRY / SILVER CITY
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United Country Mimbres Realty, Inc. “No One Knows the Country Like We Do! OPEN WEEKENDS 2 Offices to Serve You Main Office: 2700 A Hwy. 180 E. Silver City 505.538.3789
Georgia Bearup,
800.827.9198
Qualifying Broker/Owner United Country Mimbres Realty 2700 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City, NM
Downtown Office: 414 N. Bullard St. 575.534.4616
877.646.2737
575.538.3789 800.827.9198 cell – 575.388.8556 georgia@mimbresrealty.com www.mimbresrealty.com
NO ONE KNOWS THE COUNTRY LIKE WE DO!!
www.mimbresrealty.com www.unitedcountry.com/silvercitynm
Mimbres Region Arts Council • Performance Series Folk Series – September thru May • Pickamania! September 13, 14 • Silver City Blues FestivalMemorial Day Weekend
Lori Atwood, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 2700 Hwy 180 E., Silver City, NM
575.538.3789 cell – 575.956.3338 loriatwood@aol.com www.mimbresrealty.com
• Weekend at the Galleries Columbus Day Weekend 1201 Pope St., Silver City, NM
888.758.7289 575.538.2505 www.MimbresArts.org
The Palace Hotel Celebrating 106 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
575.388.1811 www.zianet.com/palacehotel
Penny Costello, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 414 N. Bullard, in historic downtown Silver City
575.534.4616 877.646.2737 cell – 575.313.5556 lupen@gilanet.com www.mimbresrealty
“Professional Assistance Buying or Selling Real Estate. I'm on your side.”
Gary Edwards, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 414 N. Bullard, in historic downtown Silver City
office – 575.534.4616 toll free – 877-646-2737 cell – 575-688-5549 garybbedwards@gmail.com www.mimbresrealty
“I am committed to make every transaction as smooth as possible.”
Looking back, the Mogollon culture was thriving in this area 800 years ago and the Mimbres people were creating their unique pottery. Today, you can drive to the protected remains of their civilization at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument or simply visit area museums to learn about this hearty people who left behind a wealth of ingenious artwork. Centuries later, the Apache chief, Geronimo was born near the headwaters of the Gila River and is recognized by a monument erected at the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. In Silver City, bicycles rule with cyclists enjoying designated rights of way in certain areas. Mountain bikers can traverse miles of forest trails or road bikers can get really serious and participate in the annual sanctioned Tour of the Gila 5-day stage race through Silver City and surrounding mountains roadways. A host of international participants keep the competition keen. For photographers, and we are all photographers, it gets no better than the Trail of the Mountain Spirits
Coldwell Banker Enchantment Realty
Shane Horcasitas, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 414 N. Bullard, in historic downtown Silver City
575.534.4646 cell – 575.590.5555 shanehorcasitas@hotmail.com www.mimbresrealty.com
“Success should not be measured in numbers”
Wind Canyon Estates Located 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy. 180 W. bordering the Gila Natn’l Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breath-taking views some as far away as Arizona. 10 acre parcels priced from low $80’s. For all of your Real Estate needs call the “Enchantment Team”. 501 Silver Heights Blvd. Silver City, NM
575.538.2931 www.silvercity realestate.com
Timberland Construction Inc. Exclusive Designs. Cissy McAndrew, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 2700 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City, NM
National Scenic Byway. Lakes and streams, an 1800s gold mining camp, prehistoric dwellings, a mission church, a serene farming valley, major historic and current mining operations, a fort that utilized the famed Buffalo Soldiers and scenic vistas encompassing the rugged beauty of the nation’s first wilderness provide the subject matter for a whole album or a series of albums, if you return as often as I do. There are over 20 designated birding areas surrounding Silver City that include a very diverse range of habitat conditions. The Lake Roberts area hosts an annual hummingbird festival and provides banding demonstrations for the 10 species that have been identified during the warmer months. Silver City itself consists of an intriguing collection of Victorian homes and a historic business district that includes restaurants and coffee shops, galleries, above: A variety of dining options, live music, extensive wine and beer lists and coffee bars cap an intense day of shopping in Silver City’s historic downtown district.
575.538.1337 800.827.9198 cissy@mimbresrealty.com www.silvercitytour.com
“Former Chamber of Commerce Director. Available 7 days a week!”
Land/Home Packages Available in Dos Griegos and Pine Ridge Subdivisions. Nationally Backed Home Owners Warranty is provided with each new home we build. Silver City, NM
575.313.5140 888.217.7962 Colleen Stinar
ernie@timberlandconstruction.com www.timberlandconstruction.com
Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 414 N. Bullard, in historic downtown Silver City
575.534.4616 cell – 575.574.5451 cstinar@gmail.com colleensilvercityrealestate.com
I will represent you with enthusiasm and honesty.
Wagon Wheel Realty Inc. Sonya Terrazas, Associate Broker United Country Mimbres Realty 2700 Hwy. 180 E., Silver City, NM
575.538.3789 cell – 575.313.7321 sonyatcasa@hotmail.com www.mimbresrealty.com
“Enthusiasm and Profound efforts to fulfill your Real Estate ideas and goals.”
“The Team That Cares” Residential Sales – Land Sales Investment Opportunities Susan Turner, Broker 2105 Memory Lane Silver City, NM
1.800.748.2978 • 575.388.2692
Silver City
GALLERIES
Museum Store In the H.B. Ailman House.
Books and Regional Gifts. Tuesday-Friday 9:00 to 4:30 Saturday-Sunday 10:00 to 4:00 Closed Monday.
Blue Dome Gallery 575.534.8671 bluedomegallery.com
312 W. Broadway Silver City, NM
575.388.5721 silvercitymuseum.org Elemental Arts
Mountain Air Productions “Providing digital audio recording and production services for the performing arts.” Located in Historic Downtown Silver City. Serving clients worldwide
575.590.7554 www.gourdweb.com
214-A West Yankie Street Silver City, NM
575.313.1160
www.mountainairstudio.com Broadway & Bullard Merchant Association Historic Broadway & Bullard Shops have Art, Antiques & Much More. 104 W. Broadway • Silver City, NM
Lois Duffy Art 211-C North Texas St. www.loisduffy.com
575.388.1811 San Vicente Artists Invite You to View their Work in the Galleries & Special Events. PO Box 1911 • Silver City, NM 575.534.4260• silvercityartists.org
Silver City Daily Press Grant County's Only Local paper since 1935
Yello on Yankie 575.534.4968 yello@zianet.com
300 West Market Street Silver City, NM 88061
505.388.1576 www.scdailypress.com
American West Properties, Inc.
We specialize in offering the Finest Real Estate in the Area, and facilitating smooth-successful transactions in Western New Mexico. 2 Locations for Your Convenience: 1609 N. Gold Street Silver City, NM 88061 and 7784A Hwy. 60 Datil, NM 87821
866.857-9357 www.amerwestproperties.com
Seedboat Gallery 214 W. Yankie St. 575.534.1136 seedboatgallery.com
day spas, specialty shops and two highly informative museums. Western New Mexico University adds an important cultural dimension to the community as does an energetic arts council. Major events, in addition to the Tour of the Gila, include the renowned Silver City Blues Festival, the Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo, Weekend at the Galleries and the Red Paint PowWow. Another important number for the adventuresome individual who is known to exit the confines of interstate travel is 800-548-9378. There is help for those still contemplating their vacation destination or more importantly, the objectives for the rest of their lives. top: The Birdman sculpture marks the library entrance on the campus of Western New Mexico University in Silver City. above: Historic downtown art district.
GRANT COUNTY EVENTS Red Paint PowWow & Indian Market 575-534-1379 Feb 9 Chocolate Fantasia 575-538-2505 Apr 30-May 4 22st Annual Tour of the Gila 575-538-3785 May 23-25 13th Annual Silver City Blues Fest 575-538-2505 www.mimbresarts.org May 28-31 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 TBA Cliff, Gila and Grant County Fair. 575-538-3785 Oct TBA 9th Annual Pinos Altos October Fiesta. 575-538-5560 Oct 11-13 Weekend at the Galleries. 575-538-2505 Nov 29 18th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade. 575-534-1700
Jan 19-20
LOCATION Silver City is located at the junction of US180 and NM90, on the Continental Divide and the southern edge of the Gila National Forest.
TOUR Travel east on US180 eleven miles past historic Fort Bayard to the Village of Bayard.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 575-538-3785 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org Mimbres Region Arts Council 575-538-2505 1-888-758-7289 www.mimbresarts.org OLD WEST COUNTRY / SILVER CITY
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THE TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
Traversing centuries of human activity and spectacular scenic vistas, The Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway 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 village of Pinos Altos had a tumultuous beginning when gold was discovered nearby in 1859. The main street of the business district, with its saloon, opera house, and a replica of old Fort Cobre, remains reminiscent of that era. NM 15 winds on through the three million acre Gila National Forest past vistas encompassing two rugged wilderness areas to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National 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 people as well as acknowledging the birthplace of the Apache leader, Geronimo. NM 35 then parallels the tranquil Sapillo Creek and Lake Roberts areas. Complete with sandstone bluffs, pine forests, and campgrounds, these year-round attractions are of special interest to birders and anglers, with lodging and dining located nearby.
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
Bear Creek Motel & Cabins The ‘MUST STAY’ place. Fabulously comfortable, beautifully decorated 2 story
Pinos Altos Orchards & Gift Shop – Large Variety of Homemade Jams & Jellies – Gift Baskets – Mexican Imports – Stained Glass Classes – Local Artists – Yard Art #13 Placer Street Pinos Altos, NM 88053 575.538.1270
cabins w/maximum privacy. Full amenities- linens, Sat. TV, Wi-Fi Internet, kitchens, fireplaces, bbq grills, private balconies & porches. New Jacuzzi Spa.
Through Pinos Altos to Highway 15 & Main St.
575-388-4501 www.bearcreekcabins.com Heading south, the byway descends into the Mimbres River farming valley. Built in the 1800s, the church at San Lorenzo is still in use today. Turning westward on NM152, the route leads back toward Silver City. The open pit copper mine at Santa Rita is a spectacular achievement of man. Because of its size, it is difficult to realize that the tiny-looking ore trucks in the distance are approximately three stories tall. The last stop on the tour is historic Fort Bayard, a National Landmark, a National Cemetery and state game preserve. The Medal of Honor statue honors the Buffalo Soldiers once stationed there. opposite: Lake Roberts, a mountain trout lake, highlights the Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway. above: Seasonal wildflowers and scenic overlooks are scattered across the entire length of the Byway that includes cliff dwellings, a gold mining village, picturesque valleys, copper mining operations and forts.
Buckhorn Saloon and
Wagon Wheel Realty Inc. Spectacular 360 degree views in Rural Mimbres Valley – 5-100 acre tracts.
3pm • Dinner 6-10pm Closed Sundays 575-538-9911
Susan Turner, Broker 2105 Memory Lane Silver City, NM 800.748.2978 575.388.2692
7 Miles North of Silver City on Highway 15 in Historic Pinos Altos.
Spirit Canyon Lodge & Cafe
Birding • Fishing • Hiking Forest Trails • Gila Cliff Dwellings Hotsprings • Indian Ruins Cafe offers full menu and German specialities on Saturday.
684 Hwy. 35, Lake Roberts 575.536.9459 www.spiritcanyon.com
Mimbres Valley Cafe American/Mexican cuisine with Japanese Special on Wednesday. 2964 Highway 35 Mimbres, NM 88049
Prudential Silver City Properties Mimbres Branch Office Robin Thomas, Associate Broker 2991 Hwy. 35 • Mimbres, New Mexico Office 575.536.2900
575.536.2857 The scenic byway loops north from Silver City and includes forest vistas, cliff dwellings, lakes, farmlands, historic villages, forts and mining operations.
877.536.2908 505.574.8798
Toll free Cell
LOCATION
Opera House
Serving Fine Food & Wine. Steak • Seafood • Chicken Burgers Salads • Desserts • Saloon Opens
Free Wi-Fi Hotspot robin@prudentialsilvercity.com www.mimbresvalleyrealestate.com
TOUR From Fort Bayard, take US180 westbound to return to Silver City, or proceed in the eastbound lanes to visit Bayard.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 575-538-3785 • 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org OLD WEST COUNTRY / TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS
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heroes, villains and just plain folks
illustration courtesy Luis Perez.
above, l to r: Geronimo traversed the Black Range in what is now Sierra County, home of the Geronimo Springs Museum in Truth or Consequences. Luna County became internationally famous in 1916 after forces under Mexican revolutionary general Pancho Villa attacked Columbus and Camp Furlong, a nearby military base. Today, Pancho Villa State Park commemorates the event. right, l to r: Mangas Coloradas was chief of the Mimbreno Chiricahuas when an influx of miners arrived in the Pinos Altos area of present day Grant County in the 1850s. Son-in-law of Mangas Coloradas, Cochise was a chief of the Chokoken Chiricahuas, who ranged through the rugged mountains and canyons of eastern Arizona and presentday Hidalgo County. right: Present-day Catron County was a refuge to Butch Cassidy (upper inset) who occasionally worked as a ranch hand near Glenwood under an assumed name. Self-appointed lawman Elfego Baca (lower inset) survived a 33-hour gun battle with 80 opponents in Reserve. below: The Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Craig in today’s Socorro County were never able to capture Victorio and his band of Warm Springs Apaches.
The late 1800s and early 1900s comprised an era of armed confrontation among westward moving settlers and nomadic groups of Native Americans, gunslingers who were either good guys or bad guys depending on who they shot, cattlemen and local Mexican settlers and, even Mexican revolutionaries and U.S troops. It was truly the Wild West at its most colorful (and deadly) stage. Among the household names were Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy and Elfego Baca. Billy was born in Silver City and first jailed in Mesilla. Butch Cassidy sometimes worked as a ranch hand near Glenwood and Elfego Baca shot it out with 80 Texas cowboys in what is now Reserve. Famous Native Americans of that era included Geronimo, Victorio, Mangas Coloradas and Cochise, all acknowledged for their military prowess. Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa invaded the United States at Columbus in 1916 and was chased by General “Blackjack” Pershing. Centuries before European explorers first reached the area, prehistoric Native American cultures farmed and hunted along mountain streams, leaving behind their cliff dwellings and a wealth of fascinating pottery. Once Spanish colonizers began traveling El Camino Real toward Santa Fe, small villages supporting supply trains and the spread of Catholicism began to develop along the Rio Grande, including Socorro with its centuries old mission church. Later, when Mexico gained autonomy, Mexican mining interests initiated operations in Santa Rita to supply copper to the Mexican mint. In the meantime, trappers, prospectors and other explorers began appearing from the east coast. These forerunners of the westward expansion of the United States gave rise to Mesilla and Shakespeare and eventually to present day communities. Today the descendents of these hearty and often rambunctious groups meld with the continuing influx of people from around the world. A welcome hand is still extended to its visitors and prospective “settlers.” top: Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang in Mesilla, today’s home of the William Bonney Gallery, but escaped.
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
BAYARD Snuggled beneath the statue of the Virgin Mary and located at the south end of the Central Mining District, the Town of Bayard continues to build the business, educational and cultural aspects of the community. Surrounded by a cluster of tiny mining and mineral processing towns, Bayard has historically served the work forces of the state’s richest mining region. Despite a land area of only 45 square miles, the Central Mining District has produced more gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum and vanadium than the combined output of all the state’s other mining districts. It contains nearly 40 significant mines from past and present eras From Bayard, travel north on NM 356 past four historic mine shaft head frames and a half mile past NM152 to the Empire Zinc head frame. Return to NM152 and travel east past the Kearney head frame, stopping at the breathtaking Santa Rita open pit overlook. Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark and National Cemetery, just north of Bayard and adjacent to the town of Santa Clara is an example of a late 1800s military facility that continues to be utilized today as a state hospital. The parade grounds with its Buffalo Soldier statue are used for occasional cavalry era reenactments.
Ft. Bayard National Historic Landmark
Come Experience a Family Adventure to the roots of Southwestern New Mexico. Victorian Teas and Living History Events Ft Bayard Days September 19-20, 2008 Tours the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each Month Ft. Bayard, NM • 575.388.4477 • 575.956.3294 fortbayardhistoricpreservationsociety.org
City of Bayard
- Bayard, hub of the Central Mining District, established as the depot for Fort Bayard in the 1800's. Come see a land rich in resources and tons of fun. Guided bus tours available on a monthly basis. Tours of the Santa Rita Open Pit Mine will start early spring 2008.
800 Central Ave. • Bayard, NM 575.537.3327 • bayardminingtours.gov LOCATION Bayard is located at the junction of US180 and NM356, the heart of the massive and historic Central Mining District.
TOUR Return to Silver City on US180 and turn southwest on NM90 forty-five miles to Lordsburg.
MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 575-538-3785 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org City of Bayard 575-537-3327 www.bayardminingtours.gov
Silver City - Grant County Chamber of Commerce- The Silver
City Grant County Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the historic mining district of Bayard, New Mexico. Enjoy scenic views of the Kneeling Nun (pictured above) and the surrounding rock faced mountains.
201 N. Hudson • Silver City, NM 575.538.3785 • www.silvercity.org center: The Virgin Mary watches over her community of various faiths and the surrounding mining district. inset, center: The massive Santa Rita open pit copper mine east of Bayard. inset, right: A bronze Buffalo Soldier vigilantely guards the parade grounds at Fort Bayard National Landmark.
a.i.r Coffee Co. Mountain a.i.r aroma in every cup.
208 Central Ave., Bayard, NM 575.537.3967 • 866.892.3009 www.aircoffee.biz
Little Nisha’s
Mexican American Food. Dine In or Carry Out.
Wed.-Thurs. 8-8 • Fri.-Sat. 7-8 Sunday 7-7
106 Hurley Ave., Bayard, NM 575.537.3526
OLD WEST COUNTRY / BAYARD
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LORDSBURG / HIDALGO COUNTY Target Lordsburg for a genuine glimpse of the Old West, but partner, hold onto your hat. A couple of miles away, but over a hundred years up the road, the rowdy ghost town of Shakespeare boldly hangs onto its rip-roaring attitude. A mining camp and stage stop on the Butterfield Trail, some of the fiercest outlaws in the Old West once passed the time drinking and shooting at flies. The Lordsburg Hidalgo Museum displays artifacts from the area’s ghost towns and highlights its mining, railroad, ranching and farming heritage, as well as its historic moments that include the day Charles Lindbergh dropped in for fuel. West of Lordsburg, Interstate 10 travelers are treated to a glimpse of the railroad ghost town of Steins. The community serviced the early steam locomotives utilizing the southern cross-country route. Traveling south, Granite Gap is a picturesque old mining area on the road to the tiny arts and aerotrekking town of Rodeo, headquarters for the largest and oldest ultralight kite wing plane club. Hosting the world’s only fly-in coffee shop, customers can even hanger their planes, overnight at the complex and visit the Chiricahua Guild and Art Gallery in Rodeo’s old mission church. Traveling west from Rodeo, the road to Portal accesses excellent birding, camping and hiking opportunities in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeast Arizona. North of Lordsburg, the Lower Gila Box Wilderness Study Area provides access to some 170 species of birds, petroglyphs and excellent photo opportunities. For more information on Granite Gap, the Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness and the Lower Gila Box Wilderness Study Area, call the BLM at (575) 525-4300. Call ahead for ghost town tours at Shakespeare, (575) 542-9034 or visit www.shakespeareghostown.com
ATTRACTIONS Lordsburg Hidalgo Museum. This Old West museum documents the early history in which the nearby ghost towns took root. 710 E 2nd St. Open M-F 1-3 PM. 575-542-9086. Gila National Forest. Almost one fourth of the 3.3 million acre forest is in wilderness. Largest of these is the 438,360 acre Gila Wilderness, set aside in 1924 as the first such area in the United States. Rodeo. On the NM-AZ border in southern Hidalgo Co., Rodeo offers facilities for
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
travelers and the Chiricahua Guild & Gallery located in an old Mission Church. Portal and Cave Creek. This famous birding area is the only place in North America that you can see Olive Warblers, Red-faced Warblers, and Mexican Chickadees. Portal also has a wide variety of hummingbird species. Portal offers lodging and food. Redrock Wildlife Area. Located on the Gila River and is operated by the NM Game & Fish Dept. All animals are
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
protected within the refuge even during hunting seasons. The main project at the reserve is the breeding and growth of the Desert Big-Horn Sheep Shakespeare Ghost Town. 2.5 miles southwest of Lordsburg. Open monthly for guided tours. Call for schedule. 575-542-9034 www.shakespeareghostown.com Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness. Ragged and rugged, the historic Butterfield Stage Route forms the southern boundary.
opposite, center: Lordsburg and its surrounding mountain ranges are enhanced by its floral, wildlife and geologic diversity. opposite, inset: The lawless ghost town of Shakespeare served local mining efforts and Butterfield stage coach travelers. above: The tiny art and retirement community of Rodeo accesses hiking and climbing opportunities in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains and is home to the world’s only fly-in coffee shop and cinema.
HIDALGO COUNTY EVENTS Cowboy Poetry Fiesta 575-542-9864 July 4th Activities. 5K Run, Lordsburg July 4th Activities; parade, BBQ, dance in Rodeo, NM Aug 23-24 Hidalgo County Fair 575-542-9864 Aug 29-31 Tejano Fiesta 575-542-9864 Oct 18 Sister City Celebration at Antelope Wells Nov 1 Cowboy Hall of Fame 15 Mixed Nuts Arts & Crafts Show, Rodeo, NM Dec 5 Annual Light Parade, Moonlight Madness 505-542-9864 Feb 9 Jul 4
Contact the Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce to check on events and dates, as changes may occur throughout the year. 575-542-9864 Fax: 575-542-9059. E-Mail: lordsburgcoc@aznex.net.
LOCATION Lordsburg is located at the junction of IH-10 and NM90 near the Butterfield Trail stage stop of Shakespeare.
TOUR
Travel west on IH-10 to Steins ghost town and south on NM80 to the village of Rodeo and the Chiricahua Mountains. Return to Lordsburg and travel east on IH-10 to Deming, the origin of the tour.
MORE INFORMATION Greater Hidalgo Area Chamber of Commerce 575-542-9864 www.GreaterHidalgoAreaCoC.com email: lordsburgcoc@aznex.net
OLD WEST COUNTRY / LORDSBURG
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1. Hatch to Deming: NM 26 Raptor Route (Private Property. Bird from road only) F4 2. Mount View Cemetery. F4 3. Deming Water Treatment Area. F4 4. Spring Canyon Unit of Rock Hound State Park. F4 5. Pancho Villa State Park. G4 6. NM 9 between Hachita & Animas. G2 7. NM 338 South of Animas (Private Property. Bird from road only.) G1 8. Clanton Canyon. G1 9. State Line Road near Rodeo (Private Property. Bird from road only.) G1 10. Granite Gap. F1 11. Lordsburg Playa (Private Property. Bird from road only.) F1 12. Virden Bridge (Private Property. Bird from road only.) E1 13. Lower Gila Box. E1 14. Glenwood Fish Hatchery. C1 15. National Catwalk Recreation Area. C2
Birding Locations Old West Country encompasses a number of climate zones and therefore
new activity, success is important to maintaining interest.
attracts a wide variety of bird species.
Old West Trails has
The Rio Grande valley and associated
compiled a list of pop-
marshlands provide for huge numbers
ular birding locations and the
of migratory waterfowl and late fall
species known to drop in from
spectacles, while the mountain regions witness smaller, more specific seasonal move-
time to time. Some of the locations are also known for their scenic beauty; others may seem unlike-
ments. Desert locales are
ly but are nonetheless areas preferred
more active for a variety of
by a number of our feathered friends.
raptors and even burrow-
Old West Country birding experts
ing species. Whatever your
16. Mogollon (Private Property. Bird from road only.) C2 17. Willow Creek Campground. C2 18. Redrock Road (Private Property. Bird from road only.) E2 19. Burro Mountains: Forest Rd. 851. E2 20. Gila River Bird Habitat Area. E2 21. Gila River/Mogollon Creek Confluence. D2 22. Big Ditch Park. E3 23. Cherry Creek/McMillan Campgrounds. E3 24. Signal Peak Road. E3 25. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. D3 26. Lake Roberts Area. D3 27. TNC Mimbres Preserve. D3 28. Fort Bayard Historical District. E3 29. City of Rocks State Park. E3 30. Iron Creek Campground to Lower Gallinas Campground. E4 31. Emory Pass. E4 32. Kingston-Hillsboro Area (Private Property - Bird from road only). E4 33. Las Animas Creek (Private Property. Bird from road only.) D5 34. Percha Dam State Park. E5 35. Caballo Lake State Park & Caballo Dam. D5 36. Las Palomas Marsh. D5 37. Elephant Butte Lake State Park. D5 38. Springtime Campground. C5 39. Leasburg Dam State Park. E5 40. Dripping Springs Recreation Area. F6 41. Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area. F6 42. The Bosque del Apache. B6 43. Water Canyon. B5 44. Socorro Birding Site. B6
have verified all locations.
level of experience or the
By combining information con-
lengths of your lists, birding has
tained in this feature with other
become increasingly popular, and Old
resources found on these
West Country is an outstanding area in
pages, you can plan a bird-
which to enjoy it.
ing adventure that
Some Old West Country residents
also
includes
are able to observe more than a hun-
hiking,
camping,
dred species of birds without leaving
horseback riding and a wealth of
home. Visitors, of course, increase
other activities that await you in
their success rate when the local pop-
Old West Country.
ulation points out the most likely loca-
B 16
17 C
15 14
21 D
Visit www.oldwestcountry.com/
tions. For those just beginning the
birding map.html to view this
quest for identifying birds, as with any
map in electronic form.
A
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20 18 13 19
12
23 22
E
11
F
6
G
10 9 8
7
this page: Tens of thousands of migrating waterfowl pause in the late fall at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro.
H Map compiled by the State Audobon. 1
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2008 OLD WEST TRAILS
www.oldwestcountry.com 1-800-290-8330
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r TouOLD WEST Country
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
Reserve/Glenwood 1 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)
e
i
g
Socorro 13 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-C6 22 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)
f
c h
a n
o s
Silver City 24 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 Consequences 38 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 Dam q Percha Dam/Campground (E5) r Veterans Mem. Park/Museum (D5) s Engle (D5) Lordsburg 53 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)
d
b
m q
p
38 T or C hot baths 39 Geronimo Spr Museum 40 Rio Grande p Elephant Butte Dam r Veterans Memorial Park & Museum
k l j
A
y
v
66 67 68 69 w
u
Visitors Center Mimbres Museum Historic Walking Tour Golf Course Historic Luna County Courthouse
z
Old Mesilla x San Albino Church
t
Deming 66 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)
72 73 74 75 76 77 v
St. Clair Winery (F4) Geolapidary Museum (F4) Mimbres-Paquime Tour (E3-H2) Pancho Villa State Park (G4) Columbus/Museum (G4) Palomas (G4) Fort Cummings (F4)
w Historic Luna Co. Courthouse (F4) Las Cruces 78 Old Mesilla (F6) 79 NM Farm-Ranch Museum (F6) 80 Gadsden Museum (F6) 81 Branigan Cultural Center (F6)
82 83 84 85 86 87 88
New Mexico State University (F6) Natural History Museum (F6) Bataan Death March Memorial (F6) Dripping Springs (F6) Stahmann Farms (F6) White Sands MIssile Range Museum (F6) White Sands Nat’l. Monument (E7)
89 90 91 x y z
Ft. Selden State Monument (E5) Leasburg Dam State Park (E5) War Eagles Air Museum (G6) San Albino Church/Old Mesilla (F6) Aguirre Springs Nat. Recreation Area (F6) Chamberino (F6)
RESERVE
T OR C
LORDSBURG
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Organ Mountains
Mineral Hot Springs
Shakespeare
DEMING
Rock Climbing Our Lady of Health Church The Catwalk/Glenwood
Lake Roberts
LORDSBURG LAS CRUCES RESERVE
Duck Races
DEMING
Elephant Butte Lake
SILVER CITY
DEMING
LAS CRUCES
T OR C
SOCORRO
Golf Course
A place where fortunes were made, hearts were broken and dreams were fulfilled!
ELEPHANT BUTTE
Silver City Museum
Where it All Began...
RESERVE
Farm & Ranch Museum
To have new experiences...
Bosque del Apache
1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
Elephant Butte Lake
P.O. Box 884 Silver City, NM 88062
OLD y r t WEST n Cou
Mogollon
SILVER CITY
Willow Creek
OLD WEST COUNTRY Southwest Region 2
SOCORRO SOCORRO
LAS CRUCES
San Miguel Mission
SILVER CITY
Desert Bloom
DEMING
PRESRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Silver City, NM 88061 PERMIT No. 10