Gila Wilderness Backpack Trip - Day 1

Summary: This 35 mile loop hike is not overly strenuous but there are 85 thigh deep water crossings in swift moving water. The water crossings are not real difficult but care must be taken and 2 hiking poles (for extra stability) is recommended. Day and night time temperatures are just about perfect for hiking and sleeping and bugs are at a minimum.  Pictured at the left are Lori Fisher, Carl Fisher, John Gundry, Joe Gundry, and Ed Tucker.

May 23, 2010 – 6 miles hiked




Our loop hike started from the ranger station near the base of the Gila Cliff Dwellings on the West Fork Trail (151) which follows the West Fork of the Gila River. A volunteer told us that we could avoid two river crossings by taking a social trail and we did so. The trail was difficult and probably not worth the effort as we ended up doing 22 river crossings before the day was done so 2 more would not have been a big deal. The river crossings were more challenging than we had envisioned. Of course, the ranger had told me there were numerous crossings, up to mid-thigh depth. So… in my mind that meant that most of the crossings were going to be rock hopping or ankle depth and there would be a few deep crossings. It was actually the opposite. We hiked most of the first day and ½ of the second day in our water shoes – most of which were not appropriate or sturdy enough. One plus while walking along a river is little to no elevation change. We camped the first night along the river somewhat short of the half way point. There were several nice camp sites and Joe was able to have a fire because we pitched our 3 tents far enough away to not have sparks from the fire burn holes in them (experience taught us this lesson). We are in the habit of carrying wine on our trips (in bladders designed for that purpose). We bring one bottle per night so on this trip we had four bottles. The first bottle we chilled in the river to a perfect temperature. The wine would have gone well with Gouda cheese, however, I left the cheese, apples, jerky, a sub sandwich and fresh veggies in the hotel room refrigerator! Damn. We didn’t stop at one bottle and finished a second one (we reasoned it was less weight to carry the next day!)