Black Range Scenic Area: Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway, New Mexico

The BLACK RANGE SCENIC AREA, located on the eastern edge of the Gila National Forest, winds through the high rugged Black Range Mountains, traversing deep canyons, rincons (narrow valleys), breathtaking views, streams, and grasslands. A century ago, this was the summer lands of the Chiricahua Warm Springs Apaches. Geronimo was their leader and shaman. Magnificent scenery highlights this curvy drive through the Black Range and over 8200-foot Emory Pass. The Vista Point at Emory Pass is a handicap-accessible place to take a break and enjoy the eye-popping views. Restroom, tables, and grill are available at the Vista, which is also a trailhead. Several campgrounds, picnic areas, and frequent pull-outs invite you to stop and enjoy. Hiking and backpacking trails are marked. In fall, the area bursts into magnificent color as leaves turn shades of red and gold among the green of the pines. Astride the Range's crest, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness offers solitude as well as challenging wilderness trips. (Note that no motorized vehicles are allowed in designated wilderness areas.) The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail intersects the byway in this area. Some campgrounds may be closed during high fire danger in the summer; and the twisting mountain road may be snow-packed and icy (and occasionally closed) in winter. In any weather, allow sufficient driving time at reduced speeds. Check for camping information, backpacking trails, road and weather conditions with appropriate offices.
	Please note that there is no gasoline available on the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway west of Truth or Consequences / Williamsburg and Elephant Butte. This is the majority of the Trail, which runs through some very remote countryside. Fill your tank before you leave! Gasoline is available on Side Trip 5; or, if you choose to follow the Alternate Loop, gas is available at Silver City. Please also note that bridges between Caballo and Hillsboro bear twelve-foot, six-inch height restrictions; and the Forest Service advises not only that trailers over twenty feet are unsafe on Forest Development Road 150, but that low-clearance / non-four-wheel-drive vehicles travel that section of the Trail at their own risk.
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Next stop on the E-Tour: the Gila National Forest...
	Enjoy the nature, history, and culture of southwest New Mexico - but don't disturb the natural, historical, and cultural sites. Do not remove, destroy, or deface anything on any site; strict laws protect artifacts on State, Federal, Indian, and private lands. Buying, selling, trading, or transporting these stolen items is also illegal. Please report looting and vandalism to federal land management authorities or the local sheriff. Hide all traces of your travels as the Apache hid their passing so these wildlands may remain unspoiled, the historical sites may remain true to their history, and the developed sites may remain clean and pleasant. Thank you.