Silver City's mountain setting allows for a number of fine excursions to outdoor points of interest:
City of Rocks State Park
(http://www.emnrd.state.nm...), south of town via NM 61. Fee $5/day for day use; campground fees start at $8/night and range upward depending on access to hookups, etc. A number of interesting short hikes are possible through weird terrain reminiscent of better-known Chiricahua National Monument across the state line in Arizona another good, but long, excursion from Silver City.Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
(http://www.nps.gov/gicl/) north of town, a unit of the national park system. Fee $3/day for individuals, $10/day for families; Park Pass applies. Trails to archaeological sites are open for day use. No lodging at the monument; plan to stay in Silver City.Gila Wilderness
is a large roadless area north of town, reachable via any number of trailheads in the area. Good for day hiking and backpacking.Pinos Altos
is a mining ghost town located six miles north of Silver City on State Road 15. It has been converted into a tourist attraction and features museums, restaurants, lodging, and art galleries. (http://www.pinosaltos.org/)