The Gila River Trail is one of many trails in New Mexico's Gila Wilderness. Known officially as trail number 724, it is a pleasant hike that should take an average of one and a half hours each way. Hikers will find a picnic table on the way, although colder days might not put you in the mood for an outdoor meal. A toilet pit is also available. There are numerous other trails in the area. If you're done early or wish to explore more, try the Military Trail, which offers nice views of the surrounding mountains.
Step 1
Check the weather forecast before you go. Call the park ranger or the area's visitor center as well. Trail access can be closed on days with harsh winter conditions but they might reopen without a warning. The trail is also closed when the river is flooding. Have a map of the trails on hand when you call, so you can mark which routes are open.
Step 2
Pack supplies. Bring water or a water filter especially made for outdoor recreation if you plan on drinking from the river. Don't drink directly from the river. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also recommends a map and a compass, as trail markings are primitive and you can easily lose your way if you don't know exactly where you're going.
Step 3
Wear waterproof boots. According to camping site Camp Silver City, the trail crosses the river on numerous occasions and you don't want wet feet on a cold day. Keep in mind that muddy conditions might slow down your hike, so choose boots with a good footing and plan for more than the standard 90 minutes each way.
Step 4
Start the hike at the Grapevine Campground. You'll need to cross the adjacent bridge to find the trail and start on your way. Start before noon if you plan on taking breaks along the way. Temperatures drop in the evening and you don't want to be caught in the dark either. If you include the Gila River Trailhead into the hike, the round trip could take up to six hours, so plan accordingly.
Tips and Warnings
- The River Trail offers flat hiking that requires no special skills. If you're planning on expanding the hike and getting into the surrounding cliffs, keep in mind that this will increase the difficulty of the hike.
Things You'll Need
- Map
- Compass
- Water or water filter
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