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Please read the whole description before joining.
The Gila Wilderness (New Mexico) is the nation’s oldest designated wilderness, and if you haven’t been, this is a great opportunity to experience one of the Southwest’s most unique landscapes. This will be my 7th trip into the Gila, and both routes have been ABC trips I’ve organized. Oh, the Gila has never disappointed
This will be a four-day, three-night backpacking trip, with the exact route finalized closer to departure based on water conditions (both availability and creek levels). My preference is the longer option, but flexibility is key in the Gila.

Route Options
I'll choose one of the following about a week before the trip:
Option 1 – Snow Lake / Lilley Mountain Lollipop
• ~32 miles total
• Start and finish at Snow Lake
• Middle Fork of the Gila, Lilley Park, Lilley Mountain area
• Mix of canyon hiking, high-elevation forest, and open plateau
• Some river crossings, generally ankle to knee deep
• One ~10-mile day; other days are shorter
OnX route https://webmap.onxmaps.com/backcountry/share/content?share_id=01KFTWKH16KK30N0BQECF7WZFE

Option 2 – Little Creek - West Fork Loop (Preferred if conditions allow)
• ~38 miles total
• Loop from the Gila Cliff Dwellings
• Up Little Creek, over Diablo Range to Rawmeat Canyon, then over to and then down the West Fork
• Creek crossings daily, with one very wet day on the West Fork
• Elevation range roughly 5,700–8,400 ft
• We will average about 10 miles per day
• More water, more miles, and classic Gila scenery
Either route offers reliable water at camps, exceptional scenery, and the quiet, remote feel the Gila is known for.
OnX route https://webmap.onxmaps.com/backcountry/share/content?share_id=01KFTWQ25H3HT7TB1148D307W3

Schedule & Logistics
Wednesday, April 1
• Depart Phoenix around 4:00 pm
• Drive to New Mexico and camp outside of Reserve or Silver City, depending on the chosen route
Thursday, April 2
• Be on trail by 11:00 am at the latest
• Depending upon route either 8 or 10 miles – either way we’ll make camp well before dark.
Friday–Saturday, April 3–4
• Full trail days
• Expect 6–8 hours on trail per day
Sunday, April 5
• Finish hiking in the afternoon
• Drive straight back to Phoenix
• Estimated arrival home between 10 pm and midnight
If you plan to drive separately, just plan to be at Snow Lake or the Cliff Dwellings by 10:00 am on April 2.

Conditions & Expectations
• Water: Plentiful overall, but conditions will dictate route choice
• Weather: April can vary—expect cool mornings, mild days, and colder temps at higher elevations
• Trail: Most sections are maintained, but this is designated wilderness; minor route finding is always possible
• Creek crossings: Likely every day, depth dependent on snowmelt, spring runoff, and beavers. On either route there will be multiple days where we cross the West Fork a lot and shoe changes are just not practical.

Group & Experience Level
I’m not a guide—just a seasoned backpacker with over a decade of experience and many similar trips across the Southwest. I hike with a ZOLEO, prioritize conservative decision-making, and believe the most important part of every trip is getting home safely.
You should have at least a moderate level of experience to join this trip. Each participant is responsible for their own safety, fitness, and gear, and for contributing to a positive group experience.

To keep things manageable, I’m limiting this trip to 6 people total, including myself.
• My vehicle holds 4 people
• If needed, we’ll coordinate a second vehicle
As the trip approaches, I’ll coordinate final logistics carpooling,
If you have questions or want to sanity-check whether this trip is a good fit for you, feel free to message me.

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