Gila Wilderness, NM

West Fork Gila River

This 6-mile hike along the West Fork of the Gila River came with some surprises. Unbeknownst to me, the river obstructed the trail seven times.

West Fork Gila River

River Amid Countless Bare Trees

I bypassed one by scaling the steeply slanted hillside. I used a log spanning the river to cross another point. For the others, I had to wade through shin-high cold water. I initially did it barefoot but repeatedly taking my boots and socks off and on took became tedious and the river rocks kept hurting my feet. So, for the return trip, I kept my boots and socks on while crossing.

Narrow Log Spans the River

Time to Wade Across

Although I saw a few interesting specimens, it was the wrong time of year to enjoy much of the plant life (especially the countless trees that had lost their leaves).

Southwestern Ponderosa Pines

Alligator Juniper

Eventually the river's canyon began to narrow, and I got a closer view of the rock walls.

The River Winds Between Trees within the Canyon

Canyon Wall

At the turnaround point was an ancient cliff dwelling and cave. Both were too high up on the canyon wall to be able to access.

Cliff Dwelling Next to Cave

Stone Structure Inside the Smaller Cave

Large Cave

Little Bear Canyon

This hike within the Gila Wilderness traveled first traveled through foothills from where I obtained a fairly good idea of the landscape. I also gained a distant view of the entrance to the canyon where the Gila Cliff Dwellings reside.

Meadow in the Hills

Home to the Gila Cliff Dwellings

I gently climbed for a couple of miles until I came to a summit. From there I could see some of the Mogollan Mountains and down the throat of Little Bear Canyon.

Mogollan Mountains
(snow in the far distance)

Little Bear Canyon

I descended into the canyon which eventually tapered from broad to narrow. I enjoyed the many shapes and colors of the rock formations that rose above me.

Is It Rock or Copper?

Horse Head

The Gray & White Stood Out Amid the Darker Colors

My turnaround point was where the Middle Fork of the Gila River crossed in front of me. It made for a pleasant setting with its rushing water in the high desert setting of the hike.

Middle Fork Gila River

But the star attraction that dominated my attention was the magnificent canyon wall that bordered and towered above the river.

Strong as the Rock of Gibraltar

Majestic as a Cathedral

Impressive Tower