Trail of the Mountain Spirits (NM-15)
The Trail of the Mountain Spirits is a 95-mile National Scenic Byway in southwestern New Mexico that loops through the Gila National Forest and crosses the Continental Divide. NM-15 forms the northern spine of the route, running 44 miles from Silver City north to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument — the only designated wilderness in the United States that pre-dates the 1964 Wilderness Act. The byway also incorporates NM-35, US-180, and NM-152. The road through Pinos Altos and the Gila River Canyon is remote and technical, with steep grades and sharp curves warranting caution for large touring bikes, while rewarding riders with canyon views 2,000 feet deep and access to one of the most isolated national monuments in the lower 48.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Kountry Kitchen
A casual diner at the route's start where you can fuel up with a solid breakfast before heading into the mountains.
Redstone
A small community nestled in the canyon that marks the transition into the scenic heart of NM-15.
Gila Hot Springs
A natural hot springs settlement near the Gila Wilderness that serves as a rewarding endpoint for the route.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.