A Guide to the Wonders of SE Arizona and SW New Mexico
-or- Things to Do Within 100 Miles of Duncan
Select an activity from the list below and scroll down to see the results:
Sailboarding
List - Historic Viewing
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (NM)
Near Silver City, NM. Spectacular Mögollon culture cliff dwellings from 1200s AD above the Gila River.
[ See their website ]
Black Hills Back Country Byway (AZ)
Rich with wildlife and historical sites, and fascinating geology. Unpaved road; do not attempt this after rains or with a trailer longer than 20 feet.
[ See their website ]
Catwalk National Recreation Trail (NM)
Set deep in southwestern New Mexico`s rugged Mogollon Mountains, this meander takes you along the Whitewater Creek Canyon and across an historic metal catwalk. Much of the trail is wheelchair-accessible.
[ See their website ]
Chiricahua National Monument (AZ)
Seventeen miles of maintained trail in a monument that is 90% wilderness, tours of a homestead.
[ See their website ]
Chiricahua Wilderness (AZ)
10,290 acres containing an extinct volcano with exotic black lava formations and are considered a mecca for bird watchers.
[ See their website ]
City of Deming (NM)
An interesting, renewed historic district with restaurants, antique shops and galleries.
[ See their website ]
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area (AZ)
Hot springs, river rafting, birdwatching, and miles of trails make this accessible National Conservation Area popular but rarely crowded. Bonita Creek wildlife viewing area is accessible and has numerous interpretive displays and shade shelters.
[ See their website ]
Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness (NM)
The nation´s first designated Wilderness Area, championed by the famed naturalist Aldo Leopold. Spectacular Indian cliff dwellings and a couple of ghost towns are tucked in amidst 3.3 million acres of unspoiled cactus deserts, forested foothills, and aspen-covered peaks.
[ See their website ]
Granite Gap Ghost Town (NM)
A rockhounder's paradise, an adventurer's enticement, a child's fun fix. Open October 1 to June 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment.
[ See their website ]
Historic Town of Clifton (AZ)
Some stunning historic sites to be seen, especially along Chase Creek. Clifton could be as beautiful and viable for tourism as Bisbee but it’s mostly undeveloped. There's very good home-cooked food at the Chase Creek Emporium.
[ See their website ]
Morenci Open-pit Copper Mine (AZ)
The largest mine and copper producer in North America, now owned by Freeport-MacMoRan, offers a three-hour tour. Or you can just drive to the overlook on Highway 191. Watch out for Bighorn Sheep on the highway. And don't miss the old miners' cemetery on a hillside to your right as you climb.
[ See their website ]
Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness (AZ)
This 19,440 acre high-country wilderness is rich in archeological sites, including the more recent ruins of the Butterfield Stage Line.
[ See their website ]
Shakespeare Ghost Town (NM)
Walk streets trodden by Billy The Kid, John Ringo, The Clantons and others. Special Living History Performances this year on April 25-26, June 27-28, August 24-25 and October 25-26. Otherwise open ONLY ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH, so plan carefully.
[ See their website ]
Silver City (NM)
Lively old-town district that borders a gorgeous riverside park. Good restaurants, many galleries, a few historic sites, including the birthplace of Billy the Kid.
[ See their website ]
The Carlisle Mine historical site (NM via AZ)
Now a ruin in the Steeple Rock foothills overlooking Duncan, the Carlisle Mine, opened in 1893, was a booming concern overseen for a time by a young Herbert Hoover. A favorite of historians and rockhounders, but well off the beaten track.
[ See their website ]
Village of Virden (NM)
Take the 26-mile loop from Duncan and back, or turn off and continue on into New Mexico. This is a hidden agricultural paradise along the Gila River. The ruins of the old Mexican settlement of San Antonio are there. There is excellent bird-watching at the Virden Bridge. Nelda’s Quilt Shop is open most afternoons. Buy fresh produce in season at a roadside stand. No public facilities.
