Day 14 (May 9, 2021)

Doc Campbell’s Post to Gila River Alternate 58.1 via High Route to Little Bear Canyon

The night was colder than expected, down to 38 degrees. The elevations are high enough to get cold at night even here in New Mexico.

A surprise this morning. During my morning constitutional, I discovered the toilets at Doc Campbell’s use water from the nearby hot springs. A surprise when I sat down!

The Gila trail alternate follows up the Middle Fork of the Gila River from this point. Additionally, there are ‘high route’ alternates available that follow the top of the canyon instead of crossing the river multiple times. I chose a combination. I decided on the high route for a short segment and then branch off through Littlle Bear canyon, which leads back to the river. You can also make a side visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, but elected not to since the visitor center was closed and you could not explore the ruins close up due to Covid restrictions.

The first four miles of trail was a road walk on Highway 15, then a dirt road, then actual trail. This was high desert, a stark contrast to the river canyon. I ran across several weekend backpackers on their way out, and realized it was Sunday. (You lose track of time on trail.)

I followed the high route for about three miles before it branched into Little Bear Canyon. The trail quickly descended at first, then started to level off. At this point it turned into a beautiful narrow alt canyon with a small creek. Fantastic rock formations, noticeably cooler, and different plants. Wonderful.

Stunning moment was at the juncture of Little Bear Canyon with the Middle Fork. It is hard to describe the beauty. I Literally cried. Soaring red rocks and beautiful trees and vegetation. Wow

The Trail followed up the Middle Fork. It was beautiful the whole way. Hard to pick which pictures to post. However, there were more river crossings with the narrow canyon, with some sections of trail again not well marked. It made for slower progress. Also ran across more weekend backpackers on their way out.

In one difficult section I ran across a trail maintenance crew improving the trail. I got to use a section of newly routed trail as the first user. Thank you trail maintenance!

I had a hard time finding a campsite. I found a perfect spot too early to stop. Then near time to pick camp I came across small falls area that the trail crosses. It was too late to negotiate that so I went back about a 1/3 mile to a good spot.