Silver City, New Mexico: Art, Desert Landscapes, and Southwestern Flavor

Cities such as Santa Fe and Taos attract travelers from the four corners of the globe who enjoy art, the stark beauty of the desert, and a distinctive culture that is steeped in Latino and Native American traditions. New Mexico is also home to several lesser-known vibrant, interesting small towns. Silver City is a hidden gem with a lively art scene that is just as captivating as Taos or Santa Fe. Silver City is a hidden gem that is surrounded by a lush national forest. Visitors can peruse art galleries and view over 50 murals, explore surreal desert landscapes, and eat delicious Southwestern food.

Every person who visits Silver City is immediately greeted by a burst of color. The streets are lined with brightly colored buildings. Silver City is also home to over 50 murals that have been created by young artists in collaboration with established working artists. Visitors can download a map and take a walking tour that showcases vibrant murals galore and several art galleries replete with pottery, paintings, and sculptures that are influenced by Silver City’s breathtaking desert landscape.

Geology enthusiasts can hike a portion of the Continental Divide Trail—which is situated between Silver City and Pinos Altos. The Continental Divide Trail—which is over 3,000 miles long and stretches from northern Montana to southern New Mexico—offers sweeping views of the Gila National Forest as well as some striking desert landscapes. The Continental Divide Trail allows hikers to view portions of the continental divide where water visibly diverges and begins to flow in separate directions.

If you’re yearning to explore the desert, consider visiting City of Rocks State Park. Located just outside of Silver City in the Chihuahuan Desert, City of Rocks State Park is home to large boulders that look like a surreal petrified village. Visitors can expect to see agave, cacti, and unique desert wildlife such as roadrunners, which were made famous by their animated counterpart in the vintage Looney Tunes cartoons.

If hiking in the desert gives you a case of the munchies, Silver City is home to some delectable restaurants that serve delicious regional food. The Adobe Cafe serves delectable taco salad, Southwestern steak sandwiches, and veggie sandwiches served with a fire-roasted green chile strip.

Silver City, New Mexico, should certainly be a stop on your next western road trip if you love cozy yet distinctive small towns that are surrounded by natural beauty and steeped in art.

Location on Google Maps.