Activities and Destinations
Looking for something to do? The Bearpaw Ranch is nearby many great activities, attractions, and destinations.
EXPLORE THE GILA WILDERNESS FROM YOUR BACKYARD.
There is plenty to do in the area, but many folks find that they are content to walk around the property, visit our horses, watch our ducks swim around in the pond, or just sit and listen to the quiet. This is a perfect retreat if you just want to get away...far away from the rat race. This is real out-west country living. But, if you feel like taking a drive there are some things you can do.
The Catwalk National Scenic Trail area is approximately 5 miles from Glenwood. a small town situated 30 minutes north of Cliff/Gila on Highway 180. The Catwalk is a day-use area and is open from sunrise to sunset. The Catwalk leads to hidden pools and waterfalls by way of a winding walk right through the center of the creek canyon perched a dozen feet above the creek.
Water from the Gila River is pumped up a high mesa to where Bill Evan Lake sites. The lake is stocked with both trout and warm water fish species. Annually, it fills anglers' creels with crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. October through May provides active trout presence. Primitive camping and electric motors and self-propelled boats are permitted at the lake.
Good riparian birding may be found among the riparian woods and hillside scrub along the Gila River. The Bird Area is located on the Bill Evans Lake Road. Follow the paved road past the lake turning and continue onto the dirt section 1.5 miles.
The quaint little town of Glenwood is about a half hour north of Cliff/Gila on Highway 180; a drive that provides spectacular views as you wind through the high desert of Grant and Catron Counties. Glenwood is home to hot springs, the State Trout Hatchery which abounds with blackberry bushes. Every 4th of July Glenwood puts on a great old fashioned small town parade and spectacular fireworks display.
Mogollon is just 9 miles from Glenwood - but those nine miles are comprised of frequent one lane windy turns that may take a scenic hour or more to cover ( it should never be taken in the dark or in poor weather conditions). Mogollon is a historic ghost town, and a quiet retreat perched in the Mogollon Mountains. Its cultural center boasts world class exhibitions and collections of native artifacts.
The Town of Silver City's wild west past includes the birth, first arrest and incarceration of Billy the Kid. The Kid's family lived in the area for many years, and his mother is buried in the Town's Memory Lane Cemetery. Silver City is a bustling town with a diverse business community, a four-year university (WNMU) that houses a museum of Mimbres Indian artifacts, and an award-winning historic downtown that is lined with boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants and art galleries. A Farmers' Market is in the middle of historic downtown Silver City, between 7th and 8th at the Big Ditch every Saturday from Spring through first frost.
A visit to the copper mines is also a must, with a stop at Lake Roberts on the way!
Silver City hosts two free premier music festivals. The Bluesfest every Memorial Day and Pickamania in September. The Wildwest Pro Rodeo in June is always fun, and we have our very own county fair out here in Cliff/Gila on the first weekend of October every year.
Historic Pinos Altos is six miles north of Silver City, on NM 15. With its old buildings dating back to the 1800's, Pinos Altos main street feels like an old western movie set. You can visit historical sites, museums, and fine dining in the Old Opera House. You can continue up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
A perfect day trip to visit the thousand year old ruin of the Mimbres and Mogollon people. Just below the cliff dwellings is Gila Hot Springs for a restorative dip in the hot water.