Our Cross Country Treks are an opportunity to see 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.
All gear and supplies are provided and will be packed by our guides on mules and/or horses. You carry a day pack for water and day essentials. Guides do the cooking and camp chores.
Hiking treks are strenuous and you must be in good physical condition and health. We venture far from civilization, so you must have a sense of self-reliance and adventure.
Cost: $1,000
We're offering two Cross Country Treks for 2010
Middle Fork Trek.....................June 4-11
8 days, 35 miles
This is one of the most enjoyable trips the Gila has to offer. We ascend the entire Middle Fork from the Gila Visitor Center to Snow Lake. Every mile is beautiful and has something special to offer. Our pace is leisurely (3-7 miles a day), allowing you to persue what interests you along the way. The hiking is very moderate the whole way, with elevation gain so gradual, it's not noticable. The weather is generally warm and dry, and water levels low, making river crossings usually easy and pleasant. There are over 100 river crossings, so proper footwear is essential.
We recomend lodging at the Wilderness Lodge the night before departure. The Lodge is 5 miles from the trailhead and 1/2 mile from our headquarters.
Trip departs 9:00 am at the Gila Visitor Center.
Our shuttle will meet us at Snow Lake for the return. We will shuttle your vehicle to Glenwood or Snow Lake (additional fee). Lodging and meals are available in Glenwood (see our Links page) for the night following the trip.
Mogollon Mountains Trek.......July 2-9
8 days, 56 miles
This trek is a real adventure and a true "tour of the Gila." We traverse some of its deepest canyons and skirt its highest peaks. Taking in a huge swath of country, we'll experience all the life-zones of the Gila: from alpine to desert. We start our trip at the Gila Cliff Dwellings and ascend the West Fork for 18 miles to White Creek. From there, we climb to Mogollon Baldy Peak (11,770 feet). We continue along the Crest Trail to Hummingbird Saddle and from there, we descend the entire length of White Water Creek to end our trip at the famous Catwalk National Recreation Trail.
You must be in excellent physical condition for this trip. Be prepared for a full range of weather; including possible severe mountain storms, with high wind, hail, and severe lightning.
We recomend lodging at the Wilderness Lodge the night before departure. The Lodge is 5 miles from the trailhead and 1/2 mile from our headquarters.
Trip departs 9:00 am at the West Fork Trailhead.
Our shuttle will meet us at the Catwalk Parking Area. We will shuttle your vehicle from the Cliff Dwellings to the Catwalk (additional fee). Lodging and meals are available in Glenwood (see our Links page) for the night following the trip.
Our organized trips are a gem of an opportunity to explore the outstanding Gila Wilderness. Join us for one of these great outings or call us to arrange a custom trip. 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!
2011 is on the way, in the meantime, check out last year's
2010 Scheduled Trips
Whatever draws you to the natural world: the bugle of an elk, the howl of a wild wolf, the sparkling dazzle of a night sky, the tug of a trout at the end of your line, or the piercing scream of a Black Hawk gliding high in the sky above - the Gila Wilderness has it all.
Operating under a special use permit from Gila National Forest.
5 Day Nature Study Camps
with Naturalist Guides Mike Fugagli and Donna Stevens
Mike Fugagli is a Conservation Biologist and an Ornithology expert with a background in bird research and endangered species. He has a focus on riparian study and conservation of the Gila River. Mike was the house naturalist at the Nature Conservancy's Bear Mountain Lodge for 6 years - until its closing in 2009. He lives in Gila, New Mexico.
Donna Stevens is the co-author of Common Southwestern Plants: An Identification Guide. She has led many native plant field trips, collected plants for the Gila National Forest, and taught plant identification skills to students of herbal medicine. Stevens works with two local conservation non-profit groups. She lives in the Burro Mountains, south of Silver City.
A special opportunity for those interested in nature study, to learn one-on-one with our friendly, knowledgeable naturalist guides in a casual setting. Limited to eight participants.
On these trips, you'll hike in with your naturalist guides to a very comfortable base camp. Each day will bring opportunities for guided bird watching, botany and general nature study, as well as general exploration of the area. Delicious meals and snacks will be served and all camp gear provided. You need only bring your personal items.
Cost: $1,000 per person
We're offering two camps for 2010
Lower Gila River Trip...........................April 26-30
This inviting camp is located on a remote and scenic section of the lower Gila River near the confluence of Sapillo Creek at an elevation of 5200 feet. A variety of terrain provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, while near-by archeological sites, caves and canyons invite exploration.
This is a spring outing and chilly temperatures are possible, night frosts are likely. Average highs are mid-70s. Precipitation is unlikely but always possible. Please be prepared.
The 8.5 mile hike, each way, is fairy strenuous and requires appropriate physical fitness. We provide transport for your gear, so you can enjoy the hike with just your daypack.
We recommend lodging at the Breathe Inn the night before departure. The Inn is only 1/2 mile from the trailhead and serves meals.
Trip departs 9:00 am at Sapillo Creek Trailhead.
Jordan Hot Springs Trip......................June 21-25
This scenic camp is located in a spectacular section of the Middle Fork of the Gila River, near Jordan Hot Springs, at an elevation of 5900 feet. 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. 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. Wildlife and plantlife is abundant. Many birds are fledging at this time.
The hike in through Little Bear Canyon is 6 miles. The hike out, down the lower Middle Fork is 8 miles. Both hikes are moderate. Be prepared for numerous shallow river crossings.
We recommend lodging at the Wilderness Lodge the night before departure. The Lodge is 5 miles from the trailhead, and 1/2 mile from our headquarters.
Trip departs at 9:00 am at TJ Coral Trailhead.
A side canyon stream
Spotted Owl
Catwalk National Recreation Trail
Gila Backcountry Services, Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
