February Gila Trails Update

In this Newsletter:

- Current Conditions

- Day Adventures

- Backcountry Adventures

- Spring Trail Project Schedule

Photo near Granny Mountain in the Gila Wilderness

Current Conditions

Gila Back Country Horsemen Celebrates 25 Years!

Over these 25 years, Gila BCH has:

Cleared over 1800 miles of trail, thanks to over 42,700 volunteer hours and an in-kind value of $1,847,800 (time, mileage, and equine use)
Removed over 8500 logs in addition to other trail improvements
Invested $614,000 in grant funding/private donations for trail projects and trailhead improvements.
Provided Chainsaw and Crosscut trainings
Partnered with the FS to provide multiple Wilderness First Aid training for trail volunteers
Improved the trailhead experience for equine users at Woody's Corral and Upper Gallinas Campground
Created the Gila Trails Info website to provide updated trail information to all trail users.

We look forward to being even more effective in the next 25 years. Join US!

Learn More

Gila Trails Info Website Improvements

Check out the improvements to Gila Trails Info.

We added more day adventure and multiday adventure options based on trail work accomplished in 2025.

We also added more info for equine users.

And the PDFs on the website, such as Trails Cleared and Water Updates, now have clickable links so you can see the location and photos. And we have some helpful new water updates thanks to trail users.

Check it out!

March Night Sky Program at

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Photo Credit: Stephen Hummel / McDonald Observatory

Image: A person is seen interacting with equipment while using a red light under the night sky.

Download PDF

Learn more about the Gila night skies:

Night Skies - Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Puma Ecology & Conservation Easement Tour

May 8–10

Join Natural Curiosity and the New Mexico Land Conservancy for a one-of-a-kind weekend at the Hermosa Field Station exploring puma ecology and land stewardship in action.

Natural Curiosity President, Travis Perry, will share insights from decades of puma research, while NMLC staff lead a live conservation easement monitoring visit, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how protected lands are stewarded long term.

This immersive experience includes guided field time in puma habitat, meaningful discussion, and exceptional meals from Bear Mountain Lodge.

Learn More & Register

Minimum donation: $1,500

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

All proceeds are shared between both organizations to support conservation, education, and long-term land protection in New Mexico.

Fire Restrictions & Alternatives to Campfires

As we continue to experience drier-than-normal winter conditions compounded by previous years of drought, fire restrictions are likely to go into effect early again this year, even as mornings remain cold.

With the current trends, it may be time to rethink campfires.

How can we be comfortable camping but still follow the restrictions?

One option for front-country camping or for horse packers in the backcountry is a durable, equine-packable propane stove.

Good warmth, no sparks, no getting into the root system below the ground, and no worry about putting it out.

Here is one that has worked well for us on our trail projects.

Ignik FireCan Elite Portable Fire Pit | REI Co-op

And there is the option of a carrying case: Ignik FireCan Carry Case | REI Co-op

Wildfire preparedness is year-round

Vandalism on the Gila National Forest

According to a Gila National Forest press release, the Gila has been experiencing increased vandalism, which sadly affects us all, both in terms of tax dollars and our experience.

What to do if you witness vandalism:

"The Gila National Forest asks that the public do their part to responsibly steward public lands by respecting forest infrastructure and reporting vandalism in progress to law enforcement.

The Silver City Dispatch Center (575-538-5371) can notify the closest available officer for response.

For your own safety, do not confront or approach those committing acts of vandalism."

Photo Credit: Gila National Forest

Webinar: 'Light on the Land' Packing & Riding

Join Back Country Horsemen of America while they present on a webinar hosted by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance.

SCORP Survey - Please Participate

New Mexico State Parks is currently updating the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to guide the future development and management of public outdoor recreation resources around the state.

Take the Survey

Adventure at your own risk.

Trail conditions change.

Recreate Responsibly

Day Adventures

Willow Creek/Maverick Canyon in the Burros

Overview: Although the Burros are generally drier and lower elevation than the Gila Wilderness, they nevertheless offer an abundance of excellent hiking opportunities with surprisingly varied terrain. One of the finest is a 5.2-mile loop that combines a chunk of the CDT with two old forest roads.

Directions:Although it’s a few miles longer, the fastest approach from Silver City is via US 180 to Mangas Valley Road to Red Rock Road. About seven miles from the turnoff for Red Rock Road, turn left on South Ridge Road. Follow South Ridge for 2.35 miles to the new CDT trailhead.

The Loop: If you hike the loop counterclockwise, you’ll start out on a very scenic segment of the CDT. The trail climbs slightly to an open ridge with spectacular views, then drops into the Willow Creek drainage. On our hike in late January, the north slope of Bullard Peak was still blanketed with fresh snow, and Willow Creek was flowing nicely.

At 1.6 miles, the CDT peels off to the right. Stay left on FR 4246 (also known as Willow Creek/Shrine Mine Road).

About two miles from the trailhead, the creek tumbles over an open rocky area, and this is a great spot to stop, have a snack and enjoy the sound of rushing water.

The trail meanders through sandy washes and a dreamy pondo forest, passing by several intriguing side canyons. At 2.7 miles, stay left leaving Willow Creek behind you, and start hiking up Maverick Canyon on an unnamed forest road.

At about 3.9 miles, you’ll stumble upon a large skeleton of a building. At least 10 feet tall, with hand-poured concrete walls, one would guess that it was part of a mining operation. But while there were the remains of a storage shed nearby, there were no tailings. An intriguing mystery!

Continue your climb – about 600 feet in all – to the junction and follow South Ridge Road back to the parking lot.

Interactive Map

Desert Lavender Website

Backcountry Adventures

Little Creek and Beyond

Water has returned to Little Creek at the #160 trail crossing. This spot has a nice campsite and is only about 4 miles from the Woody's Corral Trailhead, making it an easy getaway. Sleep to the sound of flowing water. There are several day trip options, including exploring up Little Creek, taking a quick loop to the Ring Canyon Trail, or heading towards Little Turkey Park.

Photo of water in Little Creek

Photo of water in Turkey Creek near Miller Spring Canyon.

Photo of water in Miller Springs Tank

Or if you want a longer backpacking option, tie in with other areas of known water.

There is reported water:

up Little Creek at Little Springs
in the upper part of Ring Canyon on the Ring Canyon Trail towards McKenna Park. And pools in McKenna Creek.
In Turkey Creek, where Miller Springs Canyon comes in. To get there, continue to Miller Springs Cabin via #160 and then take the Miller Springs Trail #159 down to Turkey Creek. Follow the trail downstream to where Miller Springs Canyon comes in.

Notes: Miller Springs Tank and Little Turkey Tank have only a little murky water.

Also, be aware that there is poison ivy along Turkey Creek, but its leaves have not yet appeared. This makes it harder to identify, but the oils on the stalk will still cause issues.