SUMMARY: 5.7k feet to 6.3k feet, 12.7 miles
DESCRIPTION: The Middle Fork of the Gila, an alternate on the CDT, has numerous wet-foot crossings in a deep canyon with majestic rock walls and spires. Periodic flooding and summer growth makes route-finding challenging on occasion. An unmarked trail up to a hot spring rewards hikers who visit.
GETTING THERE: On Hwy 15 up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center, turn on a road just before the visitor center towards the campgrounds, and park at Woody’s Corral (Coordinates: 33.2378021, -109.1690382), or across the road at trailhead parking. Take Little Bear Canyon Trail #729, which runs into the Gila Middle Fork Trail.
Alternately, the eastern terminus of the Gila Middle Fork Trail can be accessed at the Visitor Center parking lot.
CONDITIONS: Although do return often, summer growth will be often be thick and cairns might wash away. But totally worth the hike.
Middle Fork Backpack (Gila NF) – CANCELED DUE TO FIRE DANGER
Brushing and tread improvement along a CDT alternate route, with CDTC and the Back Country Horsemen, Gila Chapter
Middle Fork Backpack (Gila NF)
Continental Divide Trail project with Continental Divide Trail Coalition and Back Country Horsemen, Gila Chapter
Middle Fork Gila River CDTC
Join with the CDT Coalition on this backpack project to improve an existing trail in the Gila Wilderness