Gila National Forest Hiking Overview

Old growth Ponderosa pines in the Gila Wilderness (Center for Biological Diversity)

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Of the 1,490 miles of trails, the most popular are in the Gila Wilderness between the Middle Fork of the Gila River and the southwestern rim of the Mogollon Mountain Range. This area contains more water and high mountains than other parts of the forest and is often crowded; those seeking solitude may be disappointed in the number of users. There are, however, many trails throughout the forest that are as wild and lonesome in character as those in the officially designated wilderness. Opportunities abound for hiking, horseback riding, trail-biking, and four-wheel-drive exploring. For real solitude, try the Black Range. Stretching almost 100 miles from north to south along a highcrest, the range boasts several peaks surpassing 10,000 feet. The mountains make up a major component of the Gila National Forest. Most are accessible only by horse or foot, with the heart protected by the 202,000-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The heavily forested range is crisscrossed with several hundred miles of trails, most little, if ever, used. The very long trails are ideal for multi-day backpacking trips.

For those seeking a shorter hike, a moderate day hike or overnight trip along the Mimbres River in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness could be just the thing. Another great hike is the one to Mimbres Lake. This hike starts on the crest of the Black Range and is one of the most scenic hikes in the mountains. The trail enters the wilderness area almost immediately and though the hike can easily be completed in a day, it begs a two- or three-day trip.

Walk through historic mining country by taking a moderate day hike to a lookout tower on Hillsboro Peak in the Black Range. These rugged mountains offer true solitude: They have fewer people now than at the turn of the century. Mining towns in the foothills boomed in the 1880s: Kingston, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley on the southeast side below Hillsboro Peak, and Winston and Chloride on the northeast. Lake Valley had one of the most famous mining discoveries in the West.  A single underground room, the "Bridal Chamber," contained more than three million dollars of pure silver.

River bottom trails have many stream crossings, so hikers should be prepared for hours of wet feet. Although most main trails are maintained and easy to follow, those along river bottoms may be washed out by summer flash floods. Some seldom-used trails shown on maps may be difficult to find; it is best to inquire about trail conditions.

Trails starting out of the south and west sides of the Gila Wilderness, or the Gila Cliff Dwellings area, generally begin in lower elevations and continue uphill. In the Willow Creek-Snow Lake area, trails start at higher elevations, eliminating long climbs out of deep valleys. For those desiring to hike in timbered country, this is the quickest and easiest access point.