Gila Backcountry Services
Zack and Jamie Crockett
23 Airstrip Rd
Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
HC 68 Box 75Y
Silver City, NM 88061
Phone: 575.536.2213
Hiking Trips
Operating under a special use permit from Gila National Forest.
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You can hear the stream trickling, would you like to take off on your own for a little fishing? The campfire is roaring; prefer to sit on a comfortable seat with a good book? It’s up to you.
Gila Backcountry Services, Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico
info@gilabackcountryservices.com 575.536.2213
Scheduled Trips
The Forks country of the Gila Wilderness is truly stunning in its rugged beauty and remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. High canyon walls with endless fantastic rock formations shelter the lush winding river as it makes its way past groves of tall pines, through dense deciduous thickets and open grassy glades.
All our hiking trips are
designed to showcase
these natural wonders
and provide
opportunities for
swimming, fishing,
birding, botany and
more. Numerous
archaeological sites and
off-trail exploring add
to the interest.
Enjoy these wilderness
camping trips without
carrying a heavy pack.
All camp equipment and
supplies are provided,
so you only need to
bring your clothing and
personal items. Mules
do the packing, you
carry a small pack with
your day essentials. Guides cook delicious, hearty meals and do camp chores. Filtered drinking water and a privy are provided. Trips are limited to six participants.
There are numerous shallow river crossings on these trips that are generally easy and often pleasant. Proper footwear is essential. Please read the Planning Your Trip page for more info.
We recommend staying at the Wilderness Lodge the night before your trip.
Heart of the Gila Trek................... June 5 - 10
6 days, 37 miles
This premier trek is a 37 mile
loop that takes in the most
scenic portions of both the West
Fork and the Middle Fork of the
Gila River.
Day 1: (7 miles) The hike begins
at the Gila Cliff Dwellings
National Monument. We travel
up the West Fork to our first
camp.
Day 2: (5 miles) We continue up
the West Fork to lovely spot
oddly known as Hells Hole.
Day 3: (10 miles) We climb one
thousand feet out of the West
Fork, through the upland pine forest and across the mesa, where we make a dramatic descent into the Middle Fork. This gives us a perspective of the depth of the canyons as well as sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Day 4: (layover) At The Meadows you can relax or choose from several great day hikes.
Day 5: (7 miles) We head down stream on the Middle Fork to our camp near the lovely and relaxing Jordan Hot Springs.
Day 6: (8 miles) We continue downstream along the lower Middle Fork and conclude the trip at the Gila Visitor Center.
Cost: $1050 per person
Middle Fork Loop Trek............... July 18 - 21
4 days, 25 miles
This trip is a shortened version of the
Heart of the Gila Trek.
Day 1: (10 miles) We travel over the mesa
from TJ Coral and descend into the Middle
Fork at the Meadows. This is a dry hike
with no river crossings.
Day 2: (layover) Relax or explore, there's a
lot to do here at The Meadows.
Day 3: (7 miles) We head down stream on
the Middle Fork to our camp near the lovely
and relaxing Jordan Hot Springs.
Day 4: (8 miles) We continue downstream
along the lower Middle Fork and conclude
the trip at the Gila Visitor Center.
Cost: $700 per person
Jordan Hot Springs Loop........... May 24 - 26
3 days, 14 miles
If you only have a few days to explore the Gila, you won't do better than this three day trip.
Day 1: (6 miles) The hike begins at TJ Coral. We travel the Little Bear trail through a scenic slot canyon to the Middle Fork and continue upstream along a spectacular two mile section of the river to our camp near Jordan Hot Springs.
Day 2: (layover) Explore or relax at Jordan Hot Springs.
Day 3: (8 miles) We hike out via the lower Middle Fork, with its natural wonders and archaeological sites. The trip concludes at The Gila Visitor Center.
Cost: $475 per person
Trail through the rushes
A hiking trip in the Gila is an awesome experience. Our services
and knowledge help make the most of the time you spend here. Give
us a call to join one of the scheduled trip or to plan a custom trip tailored
to your group. We limit our groups to six clients in an effort to minimize our impact and preserve the wilderness solitude.
Hiking in the Middle Fork Canyon.
Descending into the Middle Fork of the Gila River
Close-up of the spring at Jordan Hot Springs
Crossing the Middle Fork of the Gila River
Custom Trips
We are happy to plan a trip designed for your group. Costs vary depending on many factors. Don't hesitate to call for a no-obligation quote. We also have bird, botany and fishing guides available to accompany your group.
