The Middle and West Forks of the Gila River are the Heart of this Wilderness and offer some of the most spectacular scenery and ideal campsites in the American Southwest. Travel through deep, winding canyons, beneath tall pines and towering rock formations. Lovely pools and staggering vistas await aroung every bend. A great diversity of plant and animal life adds to the interest. These warm summer trips are the perfect time to enjoy all of this. All the trail heads are near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico.
West Fork Trek .... June 8-June 13
$750 per person
6 days
6-8 miles per day
28 miles total
Camp near Nat Straw Canyon and Hells Hole.
Hike the West Fork of the Gila River.
Middle Fork Trek .... June 22-June 28
$900 per person
7 days
6-10 miles per day
25 miles total
On this trek we travel an upland route 10 miles to the
Meadows the first day, then take a leisurely pace
down the river, camping 2 nights at each stop.
West Fork Base Camps .... July 6-July 10$600 per person
with Naturalist Mike Fugagli .... July 13-July 17$750 per person
5 days
6-7 miles each way
Hike the West Fork and explore from this camp near Nat Straw Canyon.
Jordan Hot Springs Base Camp .... August 17-August 21$600 per person
5 days
6 miles each way
This scenic camp is located near the relaxing warm pools of Jordan Hot Springs. Hike Little Bear Canyon and the Middle Fork of the Gila River.
5 Day Nature Study Program .... August 24-August 28$900 per person
with Mike Fugagli and Cynthia Hunter
5 days
6 miles each way
Located at our Jordan Hot Springs Base Camp, this is a special opportunity for those interested in a more intensive nature study outing. A casual camp for those interested in learning from two of the Gila's most enthusiastic naturalist guides.
Meadows Base Camp .... September 7-September 11$600 per person
with Naturalist Mike Fugagli .... September 14-September 18$750 per person
5 days
11 miles each way
This camp near The Meadows is a great base for exploring the heart of the Middle Fork of the Gila River. After a long ridge hike, we decend down steep switch-backs to the canyon floor and cross the river several times before reaching camp.
Lilley Mountain Trek .... September 24-September 30$900 per person
7 days
30 miles total
This exciting upland trek takes us across the ridge and mesa country of Woodland Park to the canyons flanking Lilley Mountain. The trip to this remote area is rewarded by fall wildflowers and a chance to see and hear elk during their mating season.
Bring your club, group, or family, or just bring your self, and join us in the striking wild canyons of the Gila country. We've got an adventure that's just right for you. Advance booking is highly recommended, camp sizes are limited.
Operating under a special use permit from Gila National Forest.
Lower Gila River Trip:
Sapillo Canyon Base Camp .... May 18-May 22$600 per person
with Naturalist Mike Fugagli .... May 25-May 29$750 per person
5 days
6 miles each way
This inviting camp is located on Sapillo Creek at the confluence of a remote and scenic section of the lower Gila River where you can venture up and down stream for great swimming and fishing. Exploring the deep, narrow canyon of Sapillo Box is a real adventure. Archeological sites, caves and more await your discovery.
The hike in is a moderate six miles, with a long decent down into the canyon. We allow more time for the long climb on the hike out.
We recomend lodging at the Breathe Inn the night before departure.
Booking, Closures and Cancellations
To make each trip more enjoyable, we strictly limit how many people may participate. Call ahead to confirm availablity for your trip.
Reservations required 14 days prior to trip departure.
25% non-refundable deposit is required upon reservation. The remainder is due upon arrival. If Gila Backcountry Services must cancel a trip for any reason, we will refund your full deposit.
The forest service sometimes implements restrictions and closures that affect our operations. Fire restrictions are the most common, usually late May through June. We may not be able to use camp fires at this time. Certain trails may be closed or impassable due to forest fires or flooding. We will seek alternative routes and/or camps whenever possible. In rare instances, we may be required to cancel a trip due to closures or reasons beyond our control.
We accept checks, Visa and Mastercard.
A side canyon stream
Spotted Owl
Gila River canyon scenery
Gila Backcountry Services, Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
