Monticello Box - GET #27, NM

This segment of the GET forms part of a longer trip option between resupply locations, as described below:


GET Segments 22 - 27, Gila Hot Springs to MonticelloThe Grand Enchantment Trail continues its water-blessed way through the majestic Gila Country of New Mexico, first along the Middle Fork Gila River, then climbing above its canyon to cross open mesas toward a meeting with the Gila's gentler East Fork as well as Diamond Creek, a prime tributary. Foot trails, both maintained and informal, continue to allow nearly seamless travel as the route enters park-like Tom Moore Canyon. Here an adventurous side trip gains access to an enticing slot canyon, while the GET strides more easily in open ponderosa forest - prime elk habitat - ascending gradually toward amusingly named Me Own Hill. A short switchbacking descent next accesses the verdant canyon bottom of South Diamond Creek, where our route begins a final climb toward the Continental Divide. Views abound on the Black Range Crest near 9800' Diamond Peak, from which the Continental Divide Trail leads north for several miles of well-graded ridgewalking, while young aspens lend spectacular fall color in numerous old burns along the way. To the north the Divide mellows and ponderosas take hold once more as the GET/CDT tours on purpose-built trail tread. After 45 serene but sometimes droughty miles, the GET leaves the Continental Divide near Wahoo Peak to head east, clambering downhill to the Gila National Forest boundary, where we exit the forest some 140 miles from our entrance near Glenwood. Dirt roads and brief, optional cross-country travel then lead through rolling juniper-yucca desert toward the entrance to Monticello Box Canyon and Ojo Caliente (Warm Spring), the area still sacred to Apaches whose ancestors once called this land home. Beyond, the GET follows the perennial waters of Alamosa Creek to within 10 miles of the peaceful hamlet of Monticello and an important resupply opportunity.

2014-06-26 blisterfree