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Middle Fork of Gila in March, too early?


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Home Forums General Forums General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion Middle Fork of Gila in March, too early?

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #3770949
    Roque P
    Spectator

    @rdp123

    Hi everyone,
    Planning a backpacking trip mid-March and looking at the Gila Wilderness, with an eye on a 35-40 mile loop from the TJ Corral or Middle Fork trailhead. I spoke with a ranger this week who noted that there has been decent snow this year, which got me thinking that the many river crossings might be too high by the time our trip rolls around. What do people think? Am I setting us up for failure? Are there alternate routes in the Gila that make more sense (ideally with frequent access to water)? Any input greatly appreciated.

    #3772237
    David Sugeno
    BPL Member

    @davesugeno

    Locale: Central Texas

    Have you checked with the visitor’s center?  I’ve only been to the Gila in March once, and I don’t recall the water levels being too high, but obviously this is going to vary considerably from year to year.  I think there could easily be a lot of runoff that time of year.  As with any backpacking trip, it will pay to have a plan b and c.

    For a possible alternate route through the Gila, here is a link to a report of a shuttle hike I did some years back.  It would fit the bill for your description, with very few crossings of the Gila, but lots of water availability, from Turkey Creek, Little Spring, etc.

    #3772264
    Roque P
    Spectator

    @rdp123

    Thanks, David, much appreciated! I did speak with the visitor’s center, but they told me that it wouldn’t really be possible to know until around the week of the trip, and to just monitor the USGS data until then. This looks like a great template for a plan B, thanks!

    #3772287
    Stumphges
    BPL Member

    @stumphges

    I went there in March two years ago. We got lucky with weather. 60s and sunny during the days. 20s at night in the canyon. Still a little snow higher up in the canyon, but not too bad. Water levels low enough that we made all crossings without too much trouble. But I think it could have easily gone hard for us with different weather, different year.

    #3772430
    Roque P
    Spectator

    @rdp123

    Thanks! We’ll be keeping an eye on it. How high were the crossings the year you went?

    #3772522
    John “Jay” Menna
    BPL Member

    @jaymenna78734

    Locale: 30.3668397,-97.7399123
    #3772565
    Roque P
    Spectator

    @rdp123

    Yes, I have been checking in on it. Thanks!

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