How do I Hike the Gila River Trail in the Winter?

The Gila Wilderness in southwestern New Mexico is home to the Gila River Trail. The Gila Wilderness encompasses more than 557,873 acres of wilderness, including 843 miles of hiking trails. This wilderness area is vast and is bordered by the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area and the Blue Range Wilderness and Primitive Area. The Gila River Trail hosts moderate to strenuous hiking experiences, and is approximately 35 miles long, winding through canyons and crossing the Gila River at several locations. Winter temperatures can reach below freezing, with high winds making it feel even colder. Stay safe when you're hiking in the winter by following a few rules of thumb.

Things You'll Need

  • Trail map
  • Compass
  • Warm clothing:
  • Wind resistant jacket warm fleece
  • Insulated sweater top
  • Long thermal underwear
  • Gloves
  • Skull-cap
  • Wide brimmed hat
  • Thick insulating socks
  • Waterproof or Gore-Tex hiking boots
  • Tent (optional)
  • Food & water
  • Fire starter and camp stove
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Pack all essential cold weather gear and clothing prior to your hike. The length of your hike should dictate the amount of provisions such as food and water (one gallon to two gallons of water per day per person).

    • 2

      Obtain a hiking trail map from the Gila Visitors Center. The map will have a detailed route for hikes along the Gila River. An easy to moderate day hike is located along the lower Gila River area, with numerous river crossings according. Bring a compass to use along with the map.

    • 3

      Head to the Lower Gila River Trailhead and the Gila River Trail via Forest Trail 724 (FT724). If you are coming out of Silver City, head west to Gila via Highway 180, then pick up NM153. This will require a durable vehicle with high clearance but doesn't require 4-wheel drive. NM153 will turn into Forest Road (FR155) and will dead end at the Gila River. There is no parking fee, and for safety reasons, most hikers typically leave a mapped itinerary in the front windshield of their vehicle with an estimated return time.

    • 4

      Hike upstream as far as you like. This trail will lead approximately 35 miles north and stop just near the Gila cliff dwellings. The trail will lead in and around the lower canyons of the Gila Wilderness along the river, among an isolated area with imposing volcanic peaks.

    • 5

      Set camp away from the river if you are camping. At least 200 feet from the river is customary, and ensure that you secure your tent into the ground, with the fly fastened securely on top. Winds can whip up quickly and rip your tent right out of the ground when the weather is foul in peak winter. Place heavy rocks on top of your tent stakes as a precaution.