Gila Inner Loop Tour Route

Since the Gila Inner Loop Tour is a loop, it can begin and end at any point. First there is the moderate climb out of Silver City into the pondersosa forest to Pinos Altos, a lively ghost town. Take the left hand branch through the town that reconnects with NM15 on the other side of town. The road then drops down and climbs back up to the Ben Lilly Memorial.

There is a plaque at the Ben Lilly Memorial on a rock outcrop west of the highway. The route drops into a delightful aspen lined canyon passing the Cherry Creek Campground. The Wild Horse Mesa has great views of the Gila National Forest. There is a fast steep descent to the intersection of NM15 and NM35. There is a resturant at the intersection. At the intersection of NM15 & NM35 follow the creek and NM35 east to Lake Roberts store where you can get some drinks. Then there is a climb to the Lake Roberts overlook. There is a parking area on the left with bathrooms. The road climbs a little through ponderosa forest and there is finally a climb over the Continental Divide. Then there is just a little way to Camp Thunderbird which is on the south side of the road and has a prominent sign. The delightfully wooded route continues east from Camp Thunderbird through Mimbres, passes a small waterfall on the right (south) when there is any water, onto San Lorenzo. The route opens up and there are nice views south of Cooke's Peak. Take the right at Acklin Rd. in San Lorenzo that parallels NM152 for a little while. If you miss this, no problem, continue 1/4 mile on NM35 to the intersection with NM152. There is a moderate climb up NM152 which is 4 laned, has shoulders and more traffic. Then there are some rolling hills to the Hurley Mine Overlook. Be careful of the railroad crossing at the bottom of one hill. Don't take the turnoff to Fiero, it doesn't go anywhere. Continue on the rolling hills to the intersection with US180. Turn right on US180. You pass the Ft. Bayard Hospital. There are some so-so mountain bike routes that start from there. There is moderate traffic on US180 which has shoulders but watch for all the debris. There are a few more rolling hills as you enter Silver City.

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Mileages and Elevation Gains

Gila Inner Loop Leg Mileages and Elevation Gains Leg Description Mileage Elevation Gain (Feet) Silver City Walmart to SAG2 Lunch Stop at NM35 & NM15 25.5 2300 Silver City Walmart to Camp Thunderbird via Pinos Altos 40 3500 SAG2 to Gila Overlook Option (one-way mileage) 7 1600 Gila Cliff Dwellings back out to SAG2 18 1900 Camp Thunderbird to San Lorenzo to Silver City Walmart 33.5 1400 Camp Thunderbird to Silver City Walmart via Pinos Altos 40 3400

Detail of Intersection of NM152 & NM35 in San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo Turn There is a "shortcut" in San Lorenzo that we normally take in San Lorenzo on the second day, turn right onto Acklin Hill Rd that parallels NM152. If you miss the turn no big deal, just continue on NM35 to NM152 and turn right in either case. You'll see the shortcut as you climb the hill. There is a large white building, a taxidemry shop, just past the turn.