Albuquerque: Gila Loop
Lush river canyons meet high desert mesas on this 23.7-mile, 3-day loop in the Gila Wilderness.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 38.2
Waypoints
GLT001
Location: 33.2293815612793, -108.263999938965
Head NW on Gila West Fork Trail, crossing NE corner of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
GLT002
Location: 33.2348899841309, -108.272003173828
Sandy path runs by alligator juniper, easily ID’d by its unique scalelike bark
GLT003
Location: 33.2373390197754, -108.280403137207
Continue NW, passing side trail to EE Canyon. Small wild grapes grow in moist nooks along the West Fork of the Gila River
GLT004
Location: 33.2444801330566, -108.291801452637
Climb steeply out of West Fork Canyon to sun baked mesa. Collard lizards scurry among prickly pears and yuccas at speeds up to 16 mph
GLT005
Location: 33.2516098022461, -108.29109954834
Bear R @ Y, bearing N
GLT006
Location: 33.2777481079102, -108.297798156738
Grab lunch under shady ponderosas before dropping into Big Bear Canyon
GLT007
Location: 33.2870292663574, -108.310096740723
Cross dry creek bed; trail climbs NW
GLT008
Location: 33.2975807189941, -108.324401855469
Steep switchbacks drop nearly 1,000 ft. into The Meadows, a high-desert oasis with shady campsites near the cool ripples of the Middle Fork
GLT009
Location: 33.3044700622559, -108.319396972656
Optional: Turn L to explore narrows of Indian Creek
GLT010
Location: 33.2941398620606, -108.297401428223
Wind along lush canyon floor while crossing the Middle Fork multiple times
GLT011
Location: 33.2721710205078, -108.259902954102
Turn R @ Y; follow Little Bear Canyon through dim, moss-covered slot canyon
GLT012
Location: 33.2662696838379, -108.259002685547
Camp the 2nd night in flat, open spots just off trail
GLT013
Location: 33.2348709106445, -108.248199462891
Trail swings SW toward road. In .9 mi, turn R onto road, hike 1 mi. to trailhead
Canyon Views
Location: 33.2985725402832, -108.321990966797
©Bill Velasquez
River Crossing
Location: 33.305103302002, -108.318725585938
©Bill Velasquez
