A vibrant community and a hub for the arts, Silver City is tucked in the high desert of southwest New Mexico on the ancestral lands of the Chiricahua Apache Nation. The Pinos Altos (Tall Pines) Range lies on the town’s northern outskirts, and the vast Gila Wilderness, sculpted by the Gila River, unfolds beyond. With the rugged Mogollon Range to the west, Black Range to the east, and the arroyos, plains, and isolated “sky island” ranges of the Chihuahuan desert to the south, this area is exceptionally ecologically diverse. The Gila Wilderness, the world’s first designated wilderness area, was established in 1924 at the behest of the iconic conservationist Aldo Leopold, who worked throughout the Gila National Forest.

Though three copper mines still operate nearby, mining’s future in the region has become more tenuous. Silver City is reinvigorating itself as a destination for arts, culture, and the outdoors. The town’s Spanish origins and proximity to Mexico, along with the region’s significance to the Chiricahua Apache, provide rich cultural diversity, as well as ecological diversity. ts geographic location in the transition zone from desert to forest lends exceptional biodiversity. With a thriving arts community, diverse food scene, quaint downtown, and boundless outdoor recreation, Silver City has a little something for everyone.

Many thanks to the Silver City Public Library and Silver City Museum for their assistance in compiling this information.