Map realignment on Gila Riveroute

[bearcreek]

For you NOBO hikers taking the Gila route, there is a small map change that might be of interest. This is at Guthook Mile 82.0 (SOBO 23.5) which is BC waypoint G-0820XX. Instead of leaving the canyon and bushwhacking up the steep, rocky hillside, continue on for about 1/4 mile to a small pond. This is identified on BC map 11G 79.0-85.5 as Gail Tank. I was there yesterday and there is a strong flow of decent water coming out of the pond. Cross the dam and turn sharply left and uphill to G-082RR where the trail follows FS road 652 and carry on as usual. Once on the road it is dry for a while so this might be a good place to camel up and fill bottles. There is a well defined animal path leading up, (complete with a herd of elk yesterday) and it's much easier than the current alignment. I walked all over it and collected a GPS track, and this will be shown on future Guthook and Bearcreek maps.


Enjoy!

[royalusa]

Other than what you described above, how is the trail on the Gila alternate route? I heard that it flooded terribly a couple/three years back and annihilated the trail...but I'm not really sure if that is accurate and if so, for how long of a stretch of trail. Is it pretty clear sailing, other than the 100 Gila crossings, all the way to Doc Campbell's?

[bearcreek]

Don't really know, but the few people who have done it are reporting good going.

[manzana]

Sorry Bearcreek, but where is that in the book? Which segment? Thanks! Apple (heading for Lordsburg in 4 days to help shuttle hikers)

[bearcreek]

It's the Gila Alternate route. No segments. It is in the Alternates Book, not the regular book, which only covers the official CDNST. I am helping shuttle on Monday - might see you then.