April Gila Trails Update

In this Newsletter:

- Current Conditions

- Day Adventures

- Backcountry Adventures

- Spring Trail Project Schedule

Current Conditions

Check for Fires before Backcountry Trips

Lightning season has started and we now have a significant fire in the Gila Wilderness.

The Forest Service fire crews were able to put out multiple lighting strike caused fires after a storm on April 20th.

The Hummingbird Fire, which is in the Whitewater Baldy Complex 2012 Fire fire scar, despite and aggressive inital attack, is growing and will likely grow more the next few days ats high winds fuel the flames and make fighting the fire a challenge.

Since we are in an extended severe drought and many trees have died creating more fuel, any lightning strike could create a forest fire. Be sure to check the weather and current fires before leaving on an adventure in the Gila.

Hummingbird Fire Updates

Forest Service photo day 1 of the Hummingbird Fire

Photo of Hummingbird Fire on April 24 - from Woody's Corral Trailhead near the Gila Cliff Dwellings

Rabid Animals in the Gila

After 18 years of working trails and hiking/backpacking in the Gila Wilderness, I finally encountered a rabid bobcat in early April. There have been subsequent reports of rabid animals since then, both dead and alive. Here is some info:

April is the month when rabies spikes because of the following factors:

The temps start rising - more favorable for the spread of rabies.

The drying up of water sources increases the risk of dehydration, which reduces the animal's ability to fight rabies. Also, animals are sharing ever-reducing water sources - such as small pools, which can be spread that way. And the decreased water sources mean animals are more concentrated in smaller areas and more likely to come into contact with other animals with rabies.

Animals have their young in April, which increases carrying capacity issues and brings them into closer contact with one another.

Some rabid animals are aggressive. Others are more confused and get way too close to humans. Remember that rabies makes the animal crazy and irrational, so that it can be acting friendly one minute and then be aggressive the next. Take steps to protect yourself before the animal gets aggressive.

Rabies is spread via saliva and brain fluid.

The appropriate treatment if a rabid animal bites one is to wash the wound with soap and running water (if there is running water) for at least 15 minutes and then go to the hospital to get a rabies vaccine, ideally within 24 hours. Rabies should be taken seriously, since it is a fatal but preventable viral disease.

Maps of where animals have tested positive for rabies in New Mexico can be found on the NM Dept of Health - data page.

More Info

Forest Service Reorganization

Learn about

the restructuring of the

Foreat Service

Changes to the Forks Campground

In our next newsletter, we will share planned changes for the Forest Service Forks Campground near Gila Hot Springs. If you have camped there before, we would appreciate your feedback. Stay Tuned.

Adventure at your own risk.

Trail conditions change.

Recreate Responsibly

Day Adventures

Holt Trail #217 to Waterfall

Interactive Map

The road hike is 3.15 miles one way and the trail part is 1.6 miles one way.

This trail begins in pinion-juniper and transitions into the pines, following the creek as it approaches the waterfall at the end. The trail once continued up the waterfall and on to Holt Spring. But the post-Whitewater Baldy fire flooding washed out the CCC-built cement step up the waterfall. It is now impassable. Nevertheless, it is still a nice hike to the waterfall.

The road to this trail is very steep and requires 4wd and high clearance. Some may prefer to park near the turnoff to the dirt road and hike the road to the trailhead. Note that there is no shade along the road, so it is not advised in the summer when it is hot and during monsoon season when there is lightning.

Backcountry Adventures

Granite Peak

To get to Granite Peak go from Woody's Corral Trailhead to Little Creek via #160, Then take Little Creek Trail # 161 up to Little Springs, which is the junction of #155 and #161. Then take #155 up to the saddle and proceed up to Granite Peak.

The peak and saddle just before Granite Peak has better views and cools rock formations so I recommend stopping there first.

Granite Peak Fire Tower: There was once a lookout tower on Granite Peak. You can see a few remnants. They removed the lookout in 1975 - packing everything out via mule, including 10 ft long sections of angle iron. The FS wanted it removed because it was about to be 50 years old, and they didn't want to have to restore it or keep it as an historic item (50 years or older). The tower was built around 1925. There was also a cabin on the ridge below the lookout to the east, That cabin was burned down at the same time the tower was removed.

Return trip could be varied by taking #789 and #162 back towards Woody's Coral Trailhead. Otherwise, return the way you came.

Additional Adventures: If you have an extra day or two to spend base camped at Little Springs, consider a day hike to Mckenna Park or a day hike up to the saddle near White Pinnacle. Both trails have been recently cleared.

Water: Check out water reports before you go. There has been good water at Little Springs in the past months but it is always good to check for the most recent water reports.

Interactive Map