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 This is likely a great time to hike this trail!  Check out "Preferred" months below, keep in mind this is an estimate.
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West Fork Trail #151, NM

Guide 12 Triplogs  0 Topics
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Statistics
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Difficulty 5 of 5
Distance One Way 32.91 miles
Trailhead Elevation 5,828 feet
Elevation Gain 2,657 feet
Accumulated Gain 5,331 feet
Kokopelli Seeds 50.68
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
27  2025-08-13
Gila Cliff Dwellings lower West Fork
markthurman53
14  2025-05-21
West Fork/Big Bear/Middle Fork/Little Bear
fricknaley
8  2025-05-20
Granny Mountain/EE Canyon Loop
fricknaley
38  2023-09-01
Middle West Gila Loop
chumley
6  2022-06-14 fricknaley
26  2020-05-22
Gila Wilderness loop
ShatteredArm
22  2019-06-09
Middle Fork Trail #157
nonot
9  2017-10-22
Middle Fork Trail #157
FOTG
Page 1,  2
Author
author avatar Guides 16,843
Routes 17,472
Photos 24
Trips 1 map ( 6 miles )
Age 28 Male Gender
Location HAZ, TrailDEX
Associated Areas
list map done
Southwest Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Radar Map
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Preferred Sep, Aug, Jun, Jul
Sun  5:49am - 6:34pm
Official Route
 
5 Alternative
 
Historic Fire Perimetersacres
🔥 2021 Johnson Fire251.4 mi**
🔥 2020 Cub Fire25.9k
🔥 2017 Straw Fire9.4k
🔥 2016 Mckenna Fire10.2k
🔥 2012 Whitewater-baldy Complex 297.8k
🔥 2011 Miller Fire88.8k
🔥 2011 Lilley Fire2.8k
🔥 2007 Woodland Fire7.9k
🔥 2007 Canyon Fire743
🔥 2006 Bear Fire51.3k
🔥 2005 Bull Fire75.9k
🔥 2003 Turnbo Fire18.9k
🔥 2003 Ten Cow Fire13.5k
🔥 2003 Moonshine Fire27.6k
🔥 2003 Dry Lake Complex Fire65.1k
🔥 2002 Middle Fire37.1k
🔥 2002 Cub Fire12.2k
🔥 2000 Graves Fire7.3k
🔥 1997 Lilly Fire24.3k
🔥 1997 Langstroth Fire5.8k
🔥 1996 Lookout Fire14.2k
🔥 1996 Langstroth Fire5.4k
🔥 1995 Sprite Fire7.4k
🔥 1995 South Fire10.9k
🔥 1993 Straw Fire39.4k
🔥 1993 Iron Fire5.8k
🔥 1993 Clear Fire3.1k
🔥 1993 Clayton Fire2.1k
🔥 1992 Cub Fire2.2k
🔥 1992 Creel Fire17.3k
🔥 1992 Beaver Fire3.3k
🔥 1985 Iron Fire23
🔥 1979 Can Pnf Fire2.9k
🔥 1978 Langstroth Pnf Fire2.3k
🔥 View (All) - over Official Route 🔥
*perimeter length in miles
**possible voids inflate figure


opportunities galore
by HAZ_Hikebot

 Likely In-Season!
Trail 151 is one of the hallmark trails of the Gila Wilderness. It follows the West Fork of the Gila River through a beautiful, deep, winding canyon with spectacular volcanic cliff formations. There are many river crossing per mile and boots that can be worn for wading are recommended.


Many trails can be connected to cross the Gila Wilderness but #151 is one of only two trails that completely traverses the wilderness. The southern trailhead is at the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the northern trail head is at Willow Creek. The trails that connect with #151 can be linked to make several very interesting loops through the interior of the wilderness. These loops provide opportunities for extended pack trips in quiet solitude and a wonderful variety of scenic canyon, mesa, and mountain terrain.
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Trail 151 follows the spectacular West Fork of the Gila River to near it's source then completes a traverse of the Gila Wilderness.

Flooding may occur during spring run-off and the rainy season.

Silver City is 43 miles from the trailhead and provides auto services, gas, groceries, lodging, medical facilities, restaurants, and shopping.

Water is available in the West Fork of the Gila River, Cub Creek, Turkey Feather Creek, and Iron Creek. Water quality is not tested therefore it cannot be guaranteed to be drinkable, it is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water.

There are many opportunities for camping along the West Fork. Since this popular trail is heavily used, camping away from the river in unused locations and practicing "leave no trace" camping techniques is recommended. Fuel stoves instead of fires are also recommended.

Ancient volcanic activity gives the Gila the distinctive geology and dramatic rock formations that are typical of the West Fork. White Creek Cabin, at the confluence of the West Fork and White Creek in the heart of the wilderness, was the location of a ranger station and fish hatchery in the early 1900's. It was restored to preserve the history of the early foresters but is not open for public use.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot
  • Wilderness Map
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    Wilderness Map


Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Note
This is a difficult hike. It would be insane to attempt this entire hike without prior experience hiking.
Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

One-Way Notice
This hike is listed as One-Way.

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

 Permit $$
no fees or permits reported

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 Directions
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 Road


To hike
Trail 151 has a trailhead at the south and north boundaries of the wilderness. The southern trail head is at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center. Follow NM 15 north from Silver City to the Monument. The travel time is 1 hour, 45 min.

The second trailhead is at Willow Creek on the north wilderness boundary. It may not be accessible in the early spring if forest roads are closed due to snow. From the town of Reserve follow Forest Road 141 then 28 to Willow Creek. Travel time about 1hour, 45 min. From the town of Glenwood follow NM 159 to Willow Creek. This road is not recommended for horse trailers. Travel time about 1 hour, 30 min. Check with the Reserve or Glenwood Ranger Districts for more information.
page created by HAZ_Hikebot on Mar 09 2010 11:54 pm
 90+° 8am - 6pm kills
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