Annual event draws community involvement from across the Gila Region
Organizations of the greater Gila Region will host their annual Trail Days in Silver City, April 19-21. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) and partners are planning the weekend in connection with Gila Earth Day as a celebration of the landscape and communities that surround the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). The two-and-a-half-day event boasts speakers, activities, and a festival, and showcases local and regional partnerships.
“We are thrilled to continue the mutual support with local organizations and businesses for our annual Trail Days. Our goal is to serve the greater community and to amplify appreciation for the unique and diverse landscapes of the CDT and the greater Gila Region,” said CDTC Executive Director Teresa Martinez (she/her/ella). “We look forward to the next ten years and what else will emerge from our work with the communities of Silver City.”
Among the event organizers are the Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP), Heart of the Gila, the Silco Theater, Silver City Waterworks, and the Town of Silver City. Local business supporters include Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery and Open Space Brewing.
“By joining forces with organizations like GRIP, we are continuing to celebrate lasting conservation relationships, CDT communities, and stewardship of the Gila Wilderness,” said Liz Schmit, CDTC Community and Outreach Program Manager (she/her). “This year is special because not only are we continuing Continental Divide Trail Days with Gila Earth Day, but it is the ten-year celebration of Silver City as a Gateway Community and the 100th anniversary of the designation of the Gila Wilderness.”
Special activities are planned to mark the co-celebrations and emphasize the natural beauty and cultural significance of the CDT while incorporating some of the work happening to protect the Gila Wilderness. Events will take place starting on Friday with a Community, Culture, and Landscape Speaker Series at the Silco Theater. Several presenters will focus on the Gila Region, sharing experience and expertise on topics from hiking in the Gila to wolves.
The weekend highlight is Saturday’s Gila Earth Day Festival at Gough Park, where over 100 vendors will gather for a family-friendly day of activities. Community hikes will be hosted in collaboration with Heart of the Gila on Sunday and will provide an opportunity for the community to connect on the trail.
The spring event also kicks off the hiking season for north-bound CDT hikers attempting to traverse the 3,100-mile-long Continental Divide or sections of it. The trek to Silver City from the Mexico border for Trail Days acts as a celebration of the first completed segment for north-bound hikers aiming to complete the CDT.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or how to get involved, please visit continentaldividetrail.org/trail-days-2024/ or contact [email protected].
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About Continental Divide Trail Days
Continental Divide Trail Days is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the Continental Divide Trail’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community connections. Through partnerships, education, and outreach, we strive to foster appreciation, stewardship, and sustainable practices along the trail.
About Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP)
GRIP is committed to protecting and restoring the ecological health and cultural well-being of the Gila region through research, education, and advocacy. By partnering with organizations and communities, GRIP works tirelessly to promote sustainable practices and safeguard the region’s natural resources.
About Heart of the Gila
Heart of the Gila is a community-focused organization dedicated to preserving the Gila’s unique landscape, heritage, and way of life. Through collaborative efforts, education, and engagement, Heart of the Gila seeks to unite community members, local organizations, and trail enthusiasts in a shared commitment to conservation and community development.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors annually. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
