Little Bear Canyon Backpack, Gila Wilderness (beginner’s backpack)

Overnight backpack in beautiful Gila Wilderness. The destination is the Little Bear Canyon Campground, one of the popular backpacks in the Gila. We’ll start at TJ Corral. For the hike pack plenty of water, snacks, hat, and recommend, hiking poles. It’ll be warm day we can take a dip in the river to stay cool. Bring swimming clothes and a towel.

The first 2.5 miles of the hike it’s uphill, and we’ll be exposed to the sun. There is no water source until we reach camp, so please pack plenty of water. We’ll then descend to Little Bear Canyon. After mile 4 or so we’ll reach Little Bear campground where we’ll set up camp next to the Middle Fork. Middle Fork is our water source. Sunday we’ll pack up and retrace our steps back to TJ Corral. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place, no campfires allowed. As of now Jetboil stoves are ok to use.

I plan to drive up Friday afternoon and car camp at Scorpion Campground. All are welcomed to drive up on Friday otherwise I’ll meet folks on Saturday I’ll meet the group at TJ Corral/trailhead at 8:45am and start hiking at 9am.

Trip Rating: Beginner’s Backpack
Length: 8 mile roundtrip in/out
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1243 feet
Fees: None
Dogs allowed, must be on leash at all times

Beginners backpack so we’ll hike a slow leisurely pace and take several breaks.

Any question, please text me at (505) 385-0553 NOTE: Friday evening and Saturday morning I’ll have limited cell service.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gila+cliff+dwellings+weather&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&channel=32

Backpacking Checklist: https://www.rei.com/dam/backpacking_checklist_printable.pdf

Participants should be in good physical condition to attend this outing. Folks with an underlying medical condition should avoid moderate and strenuous outings. Participants who RSVP yes also agree to the Release of Liability statement located under the "What we're about" heading.

For safety reasons we hike together and support each-other as a group/team, with the leader in control. We stop, rest, eat, etc. together. No one will be allowed to hike ahead at any time. If you are unwilling to comply with this please do not sign up. Thank you.