Drives New Mexico Southern New Mexico
Highway 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings
NM 15 · Pinos Altos → Gila Cliff Dwellings
The drive
NM 15 runs north from Pinos Altos through the Gila National Forest toward the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It is part of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits, a 93-mile National Scenic Byway that winds around the southwest corner of New Mexico, crosses the Continental Divide and passes through the Gila, the country's first national wilderness area.
The National Park Service says the first 25 miles of NM 15 are narrow, with steep sections of 10 to 12 percent grade and no center dividing line. The road ends at the monument, so the way back is the same road, or NM 35 and NM 152.
Along the way
- Pinos Altos
- Gila Hot Springs
- Gila Cliff Dwellings
Good to know
- Plan at least 2 hours of travel each way from Silver City or Mimbres, according to the National Park Service.
- If your vehicle is over 20 feet, the park service does not recommend the first 25 miles of NM 15; take US 180, then NM 152 and NM 35 instead.
- NM 152 has three narrow bridges with 12-foot height restrictions.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Gila National Forest: conditions and alerts.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings take?
NM 15 from Pinos Altos to the Gila Cliff Dwellings is 35.1 miles and takes about 1 hr by this route's numbers, but the National Park Service advises planning at least 2 hours each way from Silver City.
Can RVs drive NM 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
The National Park Service does not recommend the first 25 miles of NM 15 for vehicles over 20 feet. It suggests US 180, NM 152 and NM 35 instead.
Where does Highway 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings start and end?
This drive starts at Pinos Altos and ends at Gila Cliff Dwellings, 35.1 miles in all.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.