One of the main reasons to live in Silver City is being able to hike almost any day of the year! In the heat of the summer, the key is to start early and go high. One of the best high-elevation options close to town is the trail from Signal Peak to Black Peak. The trail was badly burned by the Tadpole Fire of 2020 and the Trout Fire of 2025. But after years of neglect, it was recently reopened, and on a hot summer day it offers a cool green refuge.
It’s a very easy trail, about three miles round trip, with less than 120′ of gain/loss. It wanders in and out of a dense pondo forest with breathtaking views for its entire length.
You can reach the trail by driving the road to the Signal Peak lookout. It’s a good gravel road, suitable for any reasonably sturdy passenger vehicle (although the last mile is rather steep).
Distance: 1.38 miles (one way)
Asccent: 118′
Trailhead Elevation: 8845′
Directions: From Silver City, take NM 15 Pinos Altos Road north 14 miles. Turn right on Signal Peak Road, and follow it for seven miles to a small parking lot near the gate below the Signal Peak lookout. Look for a CDT trail marker on your left.
Area Map
