Gila National Forest
Saturday, September 13, 2025 -
Saturday, September 20, 2025 --
$1900
★★★
Description
There is a vast wilderness in the middle of an imaginary triangle formed by Phoenix,
Albuquerque and El Paso known as the Gila Wilderness within the
Gila National Forest
It is a remote, immense desert of stunning beauty, so much so that part of it was
named for Aldo Leopold who designated it for protection.
Besides hiking in the wilderenss, our journey will include the ancient Pueblo
Gila Cliff Dwellings
that date back over 700 years. Plus we'll soak in the
remote and natural Jordan Hot Springs, tucked in a cubby hole above the
Middle Fork of the Gila River.
Our trek will run out of El Paso, TX. We'll leave early and shuttle up to Gila Wilderness (4+ hours).
When we arrive, we will warm up with a visit to the Ancient Cliff Dwellings before we begin backpacking.
Insert Route Info
We will be visiting this geologic wonderland just as Fall begins in the Southwest high desert.
With foliage season upon the region, why not join us to see this wonderful, remote destination?
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See CalTopo map
Weather
Weather is always an important concern when hiking. Fall is a great time to hike in Gila Wilderness.
Expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 60s & 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 30s & 40s,
though it may reach the 80s during the day and freezing at night.
Expect sunny, fair weather, but be prepared for frigid nights because of the arid climate and radiational cooling.
Here are the historical weather averages
Probable Trip Leaders
Steve Silberberg
Michael DeWitt
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Difficulty
Trails in the Gila can be difficult to navigate at times. Some of our route is along the Gila
River which must be crossed several times, slowing progress. And wildfires can decimate trails
making navigation and backpacking challenging. But many of the trails on high plateaus are
relatively unobstructed and easy to traverse. Also, water may be difficult to come by on some
days and we may carry up to 8 liters on nights when we don't have a reliable water source.
Although the elevation and incline of the trails are often moderate, there may be a few steep
uphill climbs and downhill descents. However, the real difficulty is the countless water
crossings that we'll encounter as we walk down the canyon -- both the West and Middle Forks
of the Gila River. We will be wearing sturdy water shoes, but they offer little ankle support
so make sure to bring trekking poles. Plus the water may be quite cold.
Cost
$1900
per person pre-trip single occupancy, post trip double occupancy. Here, double occupancy
means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be
responsible for transportation to and from El Paso, TX (ELP) as well as personal
equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers,
ground transportation to/from/within the National Forest, National Forest permits, entrance fees
and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like
most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this
shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of
a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost.
Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for
30-60% of a their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest
extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit
tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional
customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support
them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating
powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes
they've dug.
Notes
While we're still finalizing the itinerary, there may be a day that we cross the Middle Fork of the Gila all day long.
We may have to walk through the river 50 times or more. The water temperature may be very cold and the water may be
almost waist deep in places. You will need sturdy water shoes for this trip.
Civil Rights Compliance
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution
is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age
or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Expect a ranger to check up on the group some time during the trip to make
sure we're adhering to Leave No Trace and Park Regulations.
This institution is operated under special use permit with the Gila National Forest.
Back to top
