January Gila Trails Update

In this Newsletter:

- Current Conditions

- Day Adventures

- Backcountry Adventures

- Trails Projects

- In Memory of

Little Whitewater Trail - Photo Credit Melissa Green

2024

Celebrating the

Gila Wilderness Centennial

The Forest Service and many other organizations have been planning multiple events to celebrate the Centennial. Check out the Calendar of Events

There are also plans for a Forest Service 100 mile Gila Wilderness Centennial Loop. However, it is not finished yet and will be the focus of trail work this spring. The map is color-coded according to the status of the trail.

Aldo Leopold stated that one should be able to ride for 2-weeks without seeing civilization. In the spirit of wilderness, people can create their own adventure using the Trails Cleared Map to choose trails that are in good or decent condition.

Gila BCH has been clearing Gila trails for many years to prepare for this event. We have reopened many loops and out-and-backs for trail users with varying abilities and interests.

We hope you have enjoyable and safe adventures in the Gila during 2024.

Photo Credit Nigel Holman

Adventure at your own risk.

Trail conditions change.

Recreate Responsibly

CDT in the Burros

The Burros, located southwest of Silver City, typically is a drier and warmer area than the Gila Wilderness, making it an option for winter adventures. There still can be snow, mud, and ice here, so plan your adventure according to the current weather conditions.

Red Rock Road Trailhead and Jack's Peak Trailhead have been recently improved.

The CDT between Red Rock Trailhead and the Jack's Peak Trailhead is 14.5 miles of trail that is in decent condition. It is well-signed with CDT signs. There are occasional areas of narrow tread and brush.

From CDT from Jack's Peak Trailhead to the C-Bar Trailhead is under 8 miles one way and lower elevation.

There are lots of options for enjoying the Burros thanks to the many access points.

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Enjoy the Views!

Backcountry Adventures

Photo Credit Gerry Engel

Long cold nights in a tent deter many from backpacking in the winter. Being in a sleeping bag trying to stay warm for that long can be painful.

SeekOutside is one brand that makes "Hot Tents".

They donated one for our trail projects, making a huge difference when nights are cold, but day temps are perfect for trail work.

They make multiple sizes of tents, including a two-person tent with a stove that weighs 5 lbs 14 oz.

Well worth the weight in the winter.

Horse packers can use bigger tents without sacrificing much space on their pack animal.

Made in Colorado.

The owner enjoys adventures in the Gila.

Photo credits: NMVFO, Nigel Holman and Jayne Hempstead

Spring 2024

Trail Project Schedule

Email Melissa at groundworktrails@gmail.com to RSVP or with questions.

We improved 185 miles of trail in 2023, thanks to our amazing volunteers working 6339 hours! Excited for 2024!

In Memory of

Many contribute to making an organization viable.

We want to honor Dixie Dexter, who passed away recently, for her dedication to

Gila Back Country Horsemen for over a decade.

She was always involved in social activities, the NATRC events

as well as cooking and packing food for the trail projects.

Thank you, Dixie, you will be missed!

Enjoy Gila Trails!