Alum Camp Backpack, via the Gila River Trail, Gila Wilderness, NM

The Gila Wilderness of New Mexico is a vast, wild tract of majestic mountains with flowing streams and rivers, steep canyons, high mesas, and rolling hills. It lies within the Gila National Forest which includes more wilderness than any other national forest in the Southwest.

On this 6.5 mile backpack beginning at the Grapevine Bridge and camping area on Highway 15, we will be camping at Alum Camp, a large flat area, alongside the Gila River where the ruins of a historic homestead are located. This beautiful area has pine, oak, cottonwood, and sycamore trees to camp under. After our camp is setup we will have plenty of time to explore the area. Barring any fire restrictions we will have a nice campfire. On past trips, depending on how high and fast the river is flowing, we have enjoyed sitting in the cool river water on the smooth river rocks so bring some swim trunks or similar if that sounds like something you might enjoy. Sunday morning we pack up and hike out back to the cars along the same trail for the return drive home.

Backpack Rating: Easy/Moderate, a good beginner backpack
Length: 6.5 miles total, 3.25 miles to and from our camp following the beautiful Gila River Trail
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 ft.
Fees: None
No dogs please

This backpack involves crossing the Gila River several times before reaching Alum Camp. Your footwear, socks, etc. will get wet. Usually at this time of year the river level is very manageable and the water feels great. We never stop to change out our hiking boots. There is a small hot spring that we will pass near the trail. We could stop there and check it out as we have in the past.

Meetup at the west El Paso Kohls/Starbucks parking lot adjacent to I-10 Redd Rd exit, at 7am. We will leave at 7:15. Please have a full tank of gas and be ready to go. The drive there takes about 3 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

Participants should be in good physical condition to attend any 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.

If you are a beginner and need help with your equipment selections or have questions, please call me: I also have backpacking gear I can loan out. Mike 915-443-8226

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