Whatever draws you to the natural world: the buggle of an elk, the howl of a wild wolf, the sparkling dazzle of a night sky unpolluted by city lights, the tug of a trout at the end of your line, the legends of all the people that have come before, or the peircing scream of a Black Hawk gliding high in the sky above - the Gila Wilderness has it all.
Our organized trips are a gem of an opportunity to explore the outstanding Gila Wilderness. With a packer, camp host, cook, and naturalist guides, the Nature Study Camps are relaxing, awe-inspiring, and a premium opportinuty to spot bird species unique to our corner of the United States. The Cross country Treks will lead you across the Gila with eyes and ears open for new sights around every corner. Bring your camera!
We're always available to cater to you and your group's specific needs. We do gear drops (and rentals): we'll pack your equipment to a camp for you - no need to carry anything - and you are on your own, until we bring the mules back to pack your gear out. We also do supply drops: we meet to at a pre-determined location in the Gila Wilderness with your extra food. If you want a fully catered camp on specific dates, we're happy to accomodate you - just give us a call.
Our full service camps are appropriate for adults, friends, families, professional groups, or clubs. Anyone under 18 is required to be be accompanied by an adult. More details on booking, closures and cancellations is at the bottom of this page.
Nature Study Camps
Lower Gila River ..................April 26-30
Jordan Hot Spring................June 21-25
Cross Country Hiking Trips
Middle Fork Trek...................June 4-11
Mogollon Mountains Trek.....July 2-9
2010 Schedule
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Majestic canyons, bubbling rivers, bugling elk, soaring black hawks, are all at your fingertips in the Gila Wilderness.
Gila Backcountry Services
Zack Crockett
23 Airstrip Rd
Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
HC 68 Box 75Y
Silver City, NM 88061
Phone: 575.536.2213
Operating under a special use permit from Gila National Forest.
A side canyon stream
Gila Backcountry Services, Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
info@gilabackcountryservices.com 575.536.2213
Nature Study Camps
with Naturalist Guides Mike Fugagli and Donna Stevens
We're lucky to be joined by Mike Fugagli again this year, former Naturalist Guide for The Nature Conservancy's Bear Mountain Lodge. With years of local focus, and a comfortably friendly attitude, Mike is an ideal guide to learn in a relaxed atmosphere. Donna Stevens blah blah blah
Lower Gila River Trip...........................April 26-30
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. April is ideal for birding, with the spring migration in full force, this special opportunity with Mike and Donna will be a real treat.
The hike in is a challenging 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.
Jordan Hot Springs Trip......................June 4-11
Located at the renouned Jordan Hot Springs, this is a special opportunity for those interested in a fabulous location, relaxing atmosphere, and a friendly outing with two of the Gila's most enthusiastic naturalist guides. Located on the middle fork of the Gila River, this camp deep in the canyon bottom is a mellow place to hide from the hot June sun. Surrounded by big trees, and steep canyon walls, we'll explore up and down the stream, Black Hawks will be nesting in tall pines, and Gila Trout lie in wait in cool pools.
The hike in is a moderate 7 miles, over the adjacent mesa. We hike out down stream, to have a different route, and even more views of archeological sites, fishing opportunities.
We recomend lodging at the Wilderness Lodge the night before depa
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 and Paypal payments.
Cross Country Hiking Trips
Our Cross Country Treks are more challenging ways to experience more terrain. Across the Gila Wilderness - from canyon bottoms to mountain tops - this is an experience of a lifetime. Wildlife watching opportunities abound, photographic natural scenes surround you, and the awe-inspiring quiet of a pristine, protected wilderness envelops you. Prepare to be amazed.
Middle Fork Trek.....................June 4-11
The Middle Fork of the Gila River is gorgeous all the way - and we'll see the entire stream, from the Gila Visitor Center, near the Gila Cliff Dwellings, to Snow Lake. The Middle Fork has another treat around every corner.
Mogollon Mountains Trek.......July 2-9
