June Gila Trails Update

In this Newsletter:

- Current Conditions

- Day Adventures

- Backcountry Adventures

- Fall Trail Project Schedule

Scouting trip - assessing the potential of reopening of the trail into Big Dry from Windy Gap

Current Conditions

Post Trout Fire

Grateful!

Fortunately, trail-wise, none of the trails on our Fall 2025 Trail Project Schedule were impacted by the Trout Fire, and the trails we worked on this spring also stayed intact. 

If the fire had spread over Highway 35, much of our spring work would have been at risk.

We want to thank all the firefighters for their amazing efforts and appreciate the local FS fire staff for conducting prescribed burns near Highway 35 over the past few years.

Watch Duty Map

Trails Directly Affected by the Fire

• Allie Canyon Trail #100
• Bear Canyon Trail #104
• Wood Haul Wagon Road Trail #55
• CDT from Sapillo Campground to Junction With Little Cherry Creek Trail # 241
• Signal Peak Trail #154 east of Signal Peak

Closures due to the Fire

Stay updated on the current closures related to the Trout Fire: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts

Map of Closure area as of 6/26/25

Post Fire Info

Post fire flights assessing fire severity: Nmgnf Trout Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Baer Incident Videos | InciWeb

Fire Severity Map: should be posted here when it is ready: Nmgnf Trout Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Baer Incident Maps | InciWeb

Post Trout Fire Flooding

In the Gila, post-fire flooding affects mostly on trails due to the amount of roadless area. With the Trout Fire, the flooding directly impacts a major access to the Gila Wilderness and Gila Cliff Dwellings. Both Highway 35 and part of Highway 15 are within the drainage area of the Trout Fire. Additional caution is needed over the coming months.

Post-fire flooding and debris flows are no joke and are different than normal monsoonal flooding.

For those overnighting around the Cliff Dwellings area, this means being aware of the weather on your way in and throughout the time you are there to make sure you can get out safely.

The next few weeks of monsoons will help give a baseline for what the flooding will be like. Thanks to the Forest Service and Freeport McMoRan, Highway 35 has already been cleared of flood debris a few times after minor storms.

Videos/examples of Post Fire Flooding in other Fire Areas

• Post-wildfire Flood and Debris Flow: 2014 Silverado Fire | U.S. Geological Survey
• Post-fire Flash Flood in Coronado National Memorial, Arizona | U.S. Geological Survey

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in the Gila

We are still in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. A few localized rainstorms do not compensate for the 80% deficit in precipitation.

Prepare accordingly, since fires are not permitted.

Fire Restrictions are posted here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts

Flood Watch Warnings

Weather Underground provides a nice visual of flood warnings in addition to radar and other options. And it is free.

https://www.wunderground.com/wundermap

To view the flash flood warnings, go to "Layers". Click on "Severe" and then make sure just the flood box is checked. Adjust the opacity to your liking. Any bright green areas can be clicked on for more information about the flooding.

Reminder....

Road Closure on FS RD #141 from May to October

4.5 miles of #141 are closed for the replacement of the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge. This affects access to Snow Lake, Willow Creek, Aeroplane Mesa Campground and more, if you normally drive from Reserve to get to these places.

Details about road closure: Gila National Forest | Gila National Forest to close 4.5 miles of Road 141 for summer | Forest Service

Interactive Map of closure and main alternative route: https://caltopo.com/m/41M3838

Red line is the closure, and green line - FS Rd 94 - is an alternate route suitable for most vehicles and trailers.

Alternate Routes: The designated detour is Forest Road 94 through Apache Creek. The Forest Service roads crew recently improved FR 94 with three new culverts to improve drainage, and new signage has been installed along this route. 

Other alternatives are Forest Road 28 and New Mexico Highway 159. Highway 159 is a rough, very narrow, native surface road with tight turns and may not be suitable for low-clearance or long vehicles, those with trailers, or RVs.

Call the FS office ((575) 388-8201) with questions about the alternates, and if your vehicle/trailer can navigate it.

Adventure at your own risk.

Trail conditions change.

Recreate Responsibly

Day Adventures

Day Hikes off HWY 152

Where to go for a day adventure?

The Trout Fire closure order and the risk of flash flooding significantly reduce options for the short term.

Trails off of HWY 152 are an option.

They include:

Rabb Park Trail # 747

Crest Trail #79 towards Sawyer Peak

Crest Trail #79 towards Hillsboro Peak

Railroad Canyon Trail #128

Safety note:

We are starting the monsoons, so lightning is definitely a hazard, especially when you're up high, like on the Crest Trails. Please watch the weather. It is wise to start and end your adventures early in the day.

Backcountry Adventures

Where to go in the Gila?

So little water, extreme drought, fire closure and flooding issues on access roads to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Does it get any more challenging to figure out a backcountry adventure?

Thankfully, because of the Gila's huge size and diversity, you could still enjoy a beautiful area.

The Middle Fork down from Snow Lake still has water, although in some places it is just pools. The stretch of trail between Snow Lake and Flying V is generally in good condition. And there are multiple trails leaving from the Middle Fork that one could day adventure on while camping on the Middle Fork.

Just remember to take the detour to avoid the closed #141 Forest Service Road.

Last week, the #182 Trail from Sandy Point was cleared for the second time this year to resupply the Lookout at Mogollon Baldy.

So now may be a good time to go to Mogollon Baldy.

As long as you are fine with the two challenges that await you.

• There is very little water up there at the springs, and there is NO water available at the Lookout. No water updates have been given recently for that area.

• Also, lightning season has started, and the trail is high and exposed. The monsoon storms can also bring high winds that can be unnerving or dangerous in the miles of burned trees.

Note: The Bursum Road from Mollogon is passable for higher clearance vehicles, but it is not in great condition. Remember that FS Road #141 is closed, and you will need to take the FS Road 94 by Apache Creek Campground.