Sapillo Creek Escape truly offers the best of both worlds: culture, art, and the Old West in nearby Silver City, NM, and the wide open vistas and forests of the Gila National Forest. Four gentle seasons and the scenic beauty of the Gila Wilderness provide the perfect setting for a visit to our unique home, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Gila National Forest. Sapillo Creek Escape is located within the Gila National Forest, which features abundant options for hiking, birding, mountain and road biking, fishing, hunting, and scenic road trips.
Lake Roberts: no swimming is permitted but boating and fishing (if you bring your own fishing supplies or boat), as well as a lovely hiking around the lake. Fishing supplies may be purchased at the Lake Roberts General Store.
Hiking trails close to Sapillo Creek Escape:
Allie Canyon #100 Trailhead
Alum Camp #788 Trailhead
Catwalk #207 Trailhead (approximately two hours from the house, but worth the trip; check page to ensure it’s open as sometimes it is closed due to flooding)
Gila River #724 Trailhead
Middle Fork $157 Trailhead (in the Gila Cliff Dwellings area)
Military Trail Trailhead
Pictograph Nature Trail #800 Trailhead (or Spirit Canyon Trail)
Purgatory Chasm Trail #779 Loop
Railroad Canyon #96 Trailhead
Sapillo Trailhead – Trailhead at Sapillo Group Campground for access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (Trail #74 on the Gila National Forest)
TJ’s Corral #729 Trailhead – Trailhead near the Gila Cliff Dwellings for Little Bear Trail #729, also providing access to the southeast end of West Fork Trail #151
Woody’s Corral #160 Trailhead – Trailhead at Woody’s Corral near the Gila Cliff Dwellings for Granny Mountain – Trail #160 and access to the Gila Wilderness
Full List of Gila National Forest Hiking Trails
Best Gila hiking trails from All Trails
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: a spectacular Monument which visitors may walk through. There is a Park Guide within the cliff dwellings to answer questions and provide information on its people and history.
Gila River Riparian Preserve is located between Silver City and Sapillo Creek Escape and offers hiking along the Gila River, excellent bird watching opportunities, and special hikes and programs (check the website for the schedule). Easily accessible by automobile.
City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park are both located in nearby Deming, NM. Many guests at Sapillo Creek Escape choose one of these, or both, for a day trip.
For rock lovers, Rock Hound State Park (state park page linked above) is set aside for non-commercial rock collecting! It is the only State Park in New Mexico which allows visitors to take items from the park. Agate, jasper, and petrified wood are just a few of the rocks you may find there. Our property also offers loads of potential for rock hunting. Situated along the pristine Sapillo Creek, wander our 20 acres and your sure to find interesting rocks. For more information on rockhounding, please visit Royal Sceptor Gems & Minerals website. They are located in Silver City but no longer have regular store hours.
A bit further afield and three hours from Sapillo Creek Escape is the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Reserve, which is a spectacular national wildlife refuge where tens of thousands of birds–including sandhill cranes, Arctic geese, and many kinds of ducks–gather each autumn and stay through the winter. The reserve features many opportunities for birding, programs, lectures and other activities. Well worth the trip for bird and nature lovers alike.