Redrock and Virden |
Area map |
| (Travel time is 3 to 6 hours.) |
Redrock: For a nice day trip out of Lordsburg, one might
visit the remote little settlement of Redrock. Points of interest in the
Redrock area include views of the Gila River, one of the few wild rivers left
 in the United States. Visit the historic post office which was
established in 1896. One can also visit the Redrock Wild Game Refuge
where exotic species such as Ibex and native species such as Desert Mule
Deer, Coues Whitetail Deer, Javelina, and Bighorn Sheep can be observed.
Art enthusiasts may also be interested in contacting local western
artist Janeil Anderson and her talented husband Walt at
www.maverickflatdesign.com,
or phone 575-542-9752 to arrange a visit. To reach Redrock, take U.S.
Highway 70 north out of Lordsburg, NM. Turn right on NM Highway 464,
which takes you to Redrock. Travel distance is approximately 25 miles. |
Virden: For another same-day outing, you might consider a
visit to the scenic
farming/ranching village of Virden. Virden was
originally established as the town of Richmond by the New Mexico Mining
Company in 1870. In 1912 Mormons immigrating from Mexico arrived in the
area seeking new homes. They negotiated with the Gila Ranch Company, a
large land owner in the area, for the local land which they purchased
for $50,000. In 1916 the community's name was changed to Virden in
 honor
of the company's president, Earnest W. Virden. Points of interest in the
Virden area include views of the Gila River and its century-old
cottonwood trees. Vegetable stands such as Jensen's and the State Line
Country Store dot the road in season, providing sources for locally
grown produce. To get to Virden from Redrock, go back to U.S. Highway
70. Turn right on U.S. Highway 70, and proceed north toward Duncan,
Arizona. Watch for NM Highway 92 and signs directing you toward the
historic Virden Valley.
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