Gila Summer

[Vermejo]

​

Recently, we completed a 5-day backcountry exploration of the New Mexico Gila. The route skirted the Gila Wilderness over 275+ miles of remote dirt tracks leading through grassy plains, high desert and lush aspen groves. The diversity of what we covered and experienced was truly epic. It is hard to describe how this trip was one of the most inspiring I have taken in quite some time. Most of what I post will be photos without commentary. Enjoy

 

[Vermejo]

Plains of San Agustin



The Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin—it was the starting point for this trip. As certain routes through the Gila can take 2 or 3 days, traversing 175+ miles of rough dirt roads between service, fuel tanks should be topped off before entering.

 

[Vermejo]

Dusk at Black Mountain Mesa



We traveled due south from the VLA, covering some 60 miles of dirt over high desert prairie reminiscent of the scenery in Dances With Wolves. The first evening, we made camp where the Plains of San Agustin meet the foothills of the Gila Wilderness. Smoke from distant forest fires hung in the sky providing a spectacular illumination at dusk.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Funny we are going to miss you, we will be there this Sunday 4th of july on the North Star Road!:wings:

 

[Vermejo]

O Bar O & The Continental Divide

 

[Vermejo]

Quaking Aspen Creek & Dead Man Spring

 

[mtsport03]

Great stuff Jake. Someday I hope to go back and spend more time in the Gila. Such an amazing area.

 

[articulate]

Perfect trip. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I always enjoy your pics and trip reports. Thanks for sharing, Jake!

 

[Bighead]

Great pics as always Jake!

 

[Vermejo]

Funny we are going to miss you, we will be there this Sunday 4th of july on the North Star Road!:wings:

Enjoy your trip!

Great stuff Jake. Someday I hope to go back and spend more time in the Gila. Such an amazing area.

Perfect trip. Thanks for sharing.

I always enjoy your pics and trip reports. Thanks for sharing, Jake!

Great pics as always Jake!

Wow, thanks for the all the kind words.

 

[Vermejo]

Negrito & The Remnants of the School Canyon Blaze

 

[Vermejo]

Fireside Feast at Gilita Camp

 

[Overland Hadley]

Nice photos. I like the bugs!

 

[Richie]

I was hoping to make it down there back in April. We found out that we couldn't fish where we wanted to go. I've still never been down there.