When someone talks about New Mexico, I immediately picture a dry desert, a multicultural state, historical ruins or White Sands at the very least. Never have I thought this land would contain a gorgeous hidden paradise that rests deep in a remote canyon along the middle fork of the Gila River.
About the Gila Wilderness
The Gila Wilderness is the largest designated wilderness area in New Mexico. It is approximately 27 miles from north to south and 39 miles east to west. It is also the world’s first wilderness area, formally recognized in 1924.
The most remarkable natural monuments in this wilderness are:
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
- The Gila River going through the Wilderness
- The Mogollon Mountains with the highest peak in this range being Whitewater Baldy at 10,895 ft
It is also rich in wildlife, serving as home to the endangered Mexican wolves, the threatened Gila trout as well as black bear, mule deer, bobcat and cougars.
Trip itinerary
Grapevine Campground
Our trip started in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday afternoon. The drive from metro Phoenix to Grapevine Campground in the Gila Wilderness is roughly 6 hours. We used this campground to spend the night before we start our backpacking adventure Saturday morning.
The campground is adjacent to the river, has restrooms and is free. To get to this campground you can follow this address E Fork Rd, Silver City, NM 88061
Grapevine Campground to the Trailhead
The drive from Grapevine Campground to TJ Corral trailhead takes roughly 20 minutes. Here is the address you want to drive to in order to get to JJ Corral’s trailhead: NM-15, Glenwood, NM 88039
TJ Corral to The Meadows via Bear Canyon
The hike starts at TJ Corral on trail 729 heading north for about 2 miles until coming to the junction with Big Bear Canyon trail #164. At this point, you take a left and head west/northwest along the rim for roughly 3.5 miles until arriving at the junction with The Meadows Trail #28.
The view of the wilderness and the Gila river from the top before descending to the meadows is priceless.
The last mile of the hike is a descent down into The Meadows. It is a substantial drop down to the canyon, however the nice and long switchbacks make it really nice and the reward is well worth it.
The accumulated elevation gain for this hike is about 2,273 ft and a distance of 9.45mi. There are plenty of campgrounds in the Meadows by the river. This is pretty much the only water source on this trail so make sure you pack enough water when you start your day.
The Meadows back to TJ Corral trailhead
There are two different ways to get back to the trailhead. You can either trace your way back following the same trail in your way in. Or, after 3.8 miles on trail #28 you will come to the junction with trail #164. There you can stay south on the #28 and take it an additional ~2.8 miles until coming to the junction with the West Fork Trail #151. From there , you can head east on the West Fork trail and take that all the way back out to the trail head.
All trail details as well as water sources and elevation charts can be found in this map
What to pack for this backpacking trip?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to do this backpacking trip?
You don’t need a permit for this particular backpacking trip.
What map can I use to navigate the trail?
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=23785&M=6
How much water do I need to pack?
The only water source on this backpacking trip is at the Meadows. I found that this trip will require you to pack at least 4 liters of water to be on the safe side.
Where can I eat after the hike?
Silver City is the closest city to the trailhead. Once in the area, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. We ate at Little Toad Creek , they have a good selection of food, drinks and if it is a weekend they might have a live band and an open floor to dance 🙂
Hello. I am thinking of doing this trip. Was the trail clear of downfall? Did you hike through burn areas. Thank you.
The trail was pretty clear when we did this hike. I haven’t noticed any burn areas.