Gila West Fork to Hells Hole & McKenna Park/Backpack/Gila NF

Gila West Fork - Backpack to Hells Hole & McKenna Park
Type: Out and back
Mileage: 25-38.67 miles (estimated)⛔️
Estimated time to complete: 3 -4 days⚠️
Elevation: 7,009 ft. gain/loss)⚠️
Difficultly: hard / strenuous ⚠️

The hike from the West Fork of the Gila River up to McKenna Park is an extraordinary, multi-day wilderness trek that transitions from a deep, water-rich river canyon to a remarkably remote mountain plateau.

What to Expect

• 65 River Crossings: The initial miles along the West Fork Trail #151 require wading through the river constantly. Your feet will get wet, so footwear suitable for water and trekking poles are essential. Hiking sandals recommended
• Canyon and Ruins: Expect towering volcanic cliff walls, hidden arches, and ancient Mogollon cliff dwellings tucked into caves high above the trail.
• The Steep Climb: After traversing the canyon floor, the route leaves the water to tackle a steep, dry climb up a saddle to reach the high-elevation mesa.
• The Plateau Environment: McKenna Park itself sits at roughly 8,000 feet. It features a unique, park-like landscape of giant ponderosa pines with very little undergrowth and sweeping forest vistas.

Why You Should Go

• Ultimate Wilderness Solitude: McKenna Park is officially recognized as one of the most remote spots in the lower 48 states. It is a premier destination for hikers seeking true isolation, quiet ponderosa forests, and an escape from crowded trails. 13th most remote spot in the lower 48 states/11.5 miles from nearest road.
• Stunning Geological Variety: Few trails pack in such a dramatic landscape shift, moving from a lush, narrow river canyon directly up into an expansive, high-altitude alpine meadow.
• Incredible Wildlife: This deep backcountry serves as a pristine habitat where you might spot unique wildlife, from the region's native Mexican wolves to javelinas, black bears, and diverse bird species.

The Plan:

6/17- We will meet Thursday night. We will meet at the Kohl’s/Starbucks off Red Road on the west side at 5:00 p.m. and leave sharply at 5:15 p.m. Please arrive with a full tank of gas. We will then drive to the Valero located on the New Mexico highway 180 in Deming. Please meet here at the Valero if you are coming from outside of El Paso. We will stop here for a bathroom break. We will then proceed on to Lake Roberts and camp at the Mesa Campground. There is a small $12 fee to camp here. There is potable water and restrooms with indoor plumbing and running water. The campground is very well kept and so are the restrooms.

6/18- Friday- We head out by 7 am to the cliff dwellings which is where the trailhead is located at. It’s about an hour drive from the campground to the cliff dwellings. We will hike 12.5 miles to reach the junction at Hells Hole Trail #268. We will set up camp here.

6/19- Saturday- We will have some options to choose from. This is based on weather, trail conditions, group consensus, and leader input

Option 1: Continue on to McKenna Park with our backpacks. This will consist about 6 miles from Hells Hole. Water is not reliable so we will need to ensure we refill once we start hiking out of the canyon. We camp at McKenna and Sunday we attempt to hike the full 19 miles back. If this isn’t possible we may have to stay an extra night and reach the cars back on Monday. All permitting on weather, trail conditions, and river depth.

Option 2: Day hike to McKenna Park and explore the area. It will be a 12 miles out and back. We return to our camp at the junction of Hells Hole and camp. Hike back to the vehicles Sunday through the West Fork or Hells Hole Trail.

Option 3: We can return back to the vehicles the way we came or we can ascend up 1 mile up to the ridge of Hells Hole and explore the area for the day. Come back and camp at the junction. Sunday we hike back out either through the West Fork or Hells Hole Trail.

Either way we will be set to have a fun time and explore some nice parts of the Gila. Dogs are not allowed for this outing. This is a safety hazard for them. Keep in mind the water levels should be low as this is the driest and hottest time of the year in the Gila, but it also is the month that can transition into the monsoon season as well. Flash floods are a high possibility here since we will be in a canyon. The Gila NF is currently on stage 1 fire restrictions. We can only have campfires at developed designated camp sites. Bear Bag or Bear box is needed for this outing!!!

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: https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-dWiUFgVP/about/

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

What to bring
Day-hike gear, water/sports drinks, headlamp, hiking poles, snacks, tent, jacket, sleeping bag, food, rain jacket, first aid kit, water filter, hat, sunscreen, sandals, hiking boots, towel, extra clothes etc.

Bring the 10 essentials:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html