Help us logout and reopen trail #172 in the Gila Wilderness!
At Gila National Forest - Hummingbird Saddle Area
The Gila Wilderness Area has had a series of wildfires over the years and keeping up with trail maintenance has been difficult. Specifically, trail #172 has required some rerouting, logging out of large trees, and brushing to allow passage. New Mexico Wild in partnership with the Gila National Forest is hosting a volunteer weekend to get some of this work done! We will be following a flag line that will reestablish our trail corridor. The “trail” is basically completely covered in brush and a new corridor will need to be established. As motorized/mechanized activities are prohibited in Wilderness, we will use handsaws, loppers, and crosscut saws to reestablish the 8’ wide corridor. Join us in giving back to our public lands on the nation’s oldest protected Wilderness!
Our meeting location, Sandy Point Trailhead, is off Highway 180 between the towns of Alma and Glenwood, on Bursum Road. This is a lovely paved road up to the historic mining town of Mollogon. After Mollogon the winding road is unpaved and gravel rock based. Some larger rocks can be present on the 9 mile stretch of road up to Sandy Point TH.
*PLEASE NOTE: A vehicle with moderate to high ground clearance (like a light duty SUV) is needed to reach the trailhead. Drive with caution and slow around rocks.
When: From mid-day Friday, September 6th to end of day Sunday, September 8th
Where: Sandy Point TH, in the norther portion of the Gila Wilderness
Where: Sandy Point TH, in the norther portion of the Gila Wilderness
Work will include:
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A 3-day, 2-night trip into the Gila Wilderness near Whitewater Baldy
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A beautiful 6-mile hike into a camp site with spring water
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Trail work will start near our camp site
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The work will be re-establishment of the 8’ trail corridor using crosscut saws
Volunteers are asked to bring:
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Camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, cooking utensils, boots, etc.)
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Water filtration system if you have it
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Work gloves (we will have some on hand, but please bring your own if able)
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All meals (for a half day on Friday, full day on Saturday, and half to full day on Sunday)
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A light lunch and snacks will be provided on Friday before the 6-mile hike to camp site
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A positive attitude! No previous experience is needed, all training will be provided on-site
Please RSVP by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd using the form below. Trip details will be sent to registrants via email as the trip approaches.
