Gila Wilderness New Mexico
Step into the solitude of America’s first designated wilderness and rediscover the beauty of New Mexico’s forgotten frontier. Explore ancient cliff dwellings, hike past pictographs, and dip in hot springs along the way.
Gila Wilderness
$1,999.00
Discover the Wilderness That Started It All
Step into history and adventure in our nation’s first designated wilderness. Our new Gila Wilderness experience takes you deep into rugged canyons, across clear streams, and up to mesas with sweeping views while enjoying the solitude and beauty that makes this place feel like a forgotten frontier. Along the way, soak in natural hot springs, explore ancient Mogollon cliff dwellings, and walk in the footsteps of Apache leaders and Wild West pioneers. Our 4 night, 5 day experience will trek approximately 25 miles through approachable terrain ranging from 5,500–7,500 feet elevation, making this journey ideal for new and seasoned backpackers alike. Discover an original TSX experience in a landscape that shaped America’s conservation story, and may inspire your own!
Read more about Gila Wilderness in our blog post: A Journey Into the Gila.
What’s included
- Transportation between El Paso, TX area meeting point and trailhead
- Guided trek over 5 days to Gila Wilderness and Jordan Hot Springs
- All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad if needed
- Personalized pack-check prior to departure
- Group gear and equipment
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- Meals in the front-country
- Lodging in the front-country, pre- or post-trek
How it works
A $500 deposit per person is required with balance due 60 days prior to the event. Typical group size of 7, including one guide. Maximum group size of 10, including two guides. An additional 5% charge will be applied when your reservation is made to offset new fees mandated by the Gila National Forest. Private, family and modified itinerary trips available through TSX Pods. Book with confidence! Review our flexible cancellation policy.
Itinerary
On the evening before your trek start date, we’ll convene at 6:00pm for a one hour group orientation and pack-check in the main lobby of Best Western Plus El Paso Airport Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ. At orientation we’ll hand out backpacks, tents and sleeping bags to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know our team, preview the trail and talk safety. Participants flying into Albuquerque, NM, or driving in, may optionally choose to meet us at the Upper Scorpion Campground, Gila Wilderness at 12pm.
Day 1 – Cliff Dwellings to West Fork Camp (3 miles)
On the morning of your trek start date, we’ll convene at 7:30am to begin our drive from Texas into New Mexico. After arriving at our destination around lunchtime, we’ll take a step back in time to explore the nearby Mogollon Cliff Dwelling ruins before beginning our hike with a gentle trek upstream along the West Fork of the Gila River to camp.
Day 2 – West Fork Camp to Middle Fork Camp (6 miles)
After a morning day hike by the to remote cliffs and historic dwelling sites, we’ll depart camp and continue to climb up onto a high mesa, eventually reaching our highest point on the trail with a near 2000′ ascent. Here the views from the “diving board” stretch vast across the remote New Mexico landscape. After enjoying the views, and lunch, we will make our way to camp roughly 1,000′ below on the Middle Fork of the Gila River.
Day 3 – Middle Fork Camp to Jordan Hot Springs (6 miles)
This day is one the most challenging, and rewarding days of the trek. We’ll follow the Middle Fork of the Gila River downstream below towering sandstone cliffs that exhibit new beauty with every bend. Prepare to get wet! We will cross the creek more than 70 times as we make our way roughly 6 miles downstream to the welcoming warm waters of Jordan Hot Springs and our camp.
Day 4 – Jordan Hot Springs to Junction Camp (3.5 miles)
After a leisurely morning, we’ll continue downstream to our final camp along the river surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery of the trail. This day if full of peaceful beauty.
Day 5 – Junction Camp to Cliff Dwellings (5 miles)
An early morning start will get us on the trail before sun up as we work our way back to our original front-country camp and cars which will take us back home. With a solid climb we’ll take in a sunrise with expansive views before strolling to the vehicles, and then our lunch stop before returning back to the El Paso, TX area.
Logistics
Departure and pickup locations
On the day of departure, TSX will coordinate transportation from El Paso, Texas and our trailhead.
- El Paso Pick-up Point: Best Western Plus El Paso Airport Hotel– 7.30am
- Upper Scorpion Campground, Gila Wilderness (if local or prefer driving) – 12pm
The specific departure time will be confirmed on a trek by trek basis. Meals are not provided when in transit, however, we will stop for food and to refuel before reaching our first night’s camp. Our goal is to make it to the camp in time to explore the Cliff Dwelling ruins in the afternoon and early evening.
Pre- and post-trek accommodations (Out of State Guests)
For guest traveling in from out of state, we suggest flying into El Paso, TX the evening before departure and staying at the Best Western Plus El Paso Airport Hotel. Alternative nearby hotel accommodations are also available. We will pick you up at the hotel on the morning of departure. If you plan on staying somewhere else, please let us know where you end up, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
At the trailhead
Bring your personal items and a positive attitude! All group gear and food will be provided on the trail. Any major personal gear you’ve indicated you’d like us to provide (sleeping bag, tents etc.) will be waiting for you at the trailhead. Please also bring a small bag with a clean set of clothes for optional showers after we exit.
Returning home
We plan on exiting the trail between 10am and 12pm on the last day of the trek. Please plan your return transportation accordingly. If flying out of El Paso on the same day, we suggest scheduling flights for departure no earlier than 6pm. Staying one additional night in the El Paso area is also a popular option.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Don’t own a backpack, tent or sleeping bag? We provide all major gear for those who request it at no additional charge. We also take care of all group items like stoves, food, water filters, first aid and more. Your guides will do the cooking and dishes. Just show up with your personal items ready to hike!
Related treks
-
4 days | 25 Miles | Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov
View trek dates
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
7 days | 50 Miles | MAR, OCT
View trek dates
Select Date Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
6 days | 32 Miles | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
View trek dates
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
6 days | 40 Miles | JUNE, JULY, AUG, SEPT
View trek dates
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page