The Gila Wilderness (New Mexico) is the nation’s oldest and if you haven't been this will be a cool opportunity to check it out. This will be my 6th time in the Gila, which has never disappointed, and this 43-mile loop will include everything the Gila has to offer.
We'll depart from Phoenix at 5 am on Friday, May 10th, aiming to reach the West Fork Trailhead by 2 pm at the latest (accounting for a 7-hour drive with stops and the time change in NM). Monday will conclude with a return drive to Phoenix, with hopes of arriving home before midnight, albeit gaining an hour back. If you want to drive separately and not drive and hike on the same days that’s fine and there are several camps next to the Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
- Friday afternoon hike 6-7 miles starting on the West Fork Trail then up Ee Canyon and down to the Little Creek Trail and make camp on the banks of Little Creek.
- Saturday hike 12-14 miles to the confluence of Little and Turkey Creaks, over a pass in the Diablo Range (high point of hike 8,420 feet), through McKenna Park and down into the Longstroth Canyon area where I hope we'll find a nice place to camp on Rawmeat Creek (crazy name right).
- Sunday hike 10-12 miles crossing Longstroth and White Creeks, checking out White Creek Flat and Cabin, then down the West Fork of the Gila to a cool area called Hells Hole for camp. There will be creek crossing every day, but this will be the wettest day of the trip, with numerous creek crossings, potentially as deep as thigh level.
- Monday hike 13 miles starting with a 1,000 ft climb out of the West Fork followed by 5 miles in Woodland Park and then a 6-mile 1,500 ft descent to the Cliff Dwellings and the car(s).
Water will be plentiful, and all camps will have water. Weather predictions are challenging, but historically, May tends to be relatively dry, with temperatures at the Cliff Dwellings ranging from the mid-40s in the mornings and highs in the high 70s during the day. However, we will be 1,000-2,000 ft higher so low 30s and high 60s are likely. Additionally, stargazing should be exceptional, thanks to the new moon on May 7th.
Hours on trail will vary each day, but I like to enjoy the morning a bit so except for Monday, don’t expect to hit the trail before 8. While most trails have received maintenance, parts of Sunday's route may require minor route finding.
I'm not a guide but a seasoned backpacker with over 15 similar trips in the Southwest over the last four years. Safety is paramount, and I hike with a ZOLEO while staying vigilant of our surroundings. Each member is responsible for their safety, contributing to a positive group experience, and ensuring a safe return home.
To keep the group manageable, I'm capping it at 6 individuals, including myself. If more than 4 join, we'll arrange for a second vehicle, with everyone chipping in for gas. As the trip approaches, I'll coordinate departure logistics with the group. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.