Collage of diverse scenes from the Gila National Forest along the Continental Divide Trail, featuring landscapes, hiking paths, rivers, forests, and rock formations. The words The Gila National Forest Photo Gallery are prominently centered.

Continental Divide Trail In Photos: The Gila

ByMac Hours Comments Reading Time: 1 minute

Northbound thru-hikers of the Continental Divide Trail have a very important decision to make when they reach CDT Mile 173.1 (or for anyone who chooses to do the Columbus Alternate, where you begin the CDT from the town of Columbus, New Mexico instead of at Crazy Cook Monument south of Lordsburg, CDT Mile 192.7) – whether or not they are going to take the Gila Alternate.

This CDT alternate takes hikers up the guts of the Gila National Forest and through what is arguably some of the best scenery in New Mexico. Over the course of my CDT thru-hike I only met one hiker who took the official CDT through the Black Range instead of the Gila Alternate (what a sucker). The Gila Alternate is also 73.6 mi / 118.45 km shorter than the official CDT. Yes, it’s both more beautiful and shorter; there’s no downside.

Hiking through the Gila is a huge departure from the Bootheel and is almost dreamlike – spectacular canyon walls rising around you in every direction, delicious water to drink and to swim in everywhere you look, and it’s the only place in the world where you can still find living Camahueto (the closest living relative of the now-extinct horse-like creature commonly referred to as a ‘unicorn’).

Yes, the Gila is magical.

  • Perched within cave-like rock formations, this ancient cliff dwelling boasts stone walls and rooms. Sunlight filters through, accentuating the rugged textures and historical architecture. Discover timeless stories where history echoes in every corner—just a piece of advice from time itself.
  • A serene outdoor hot spring, nestled in a gila landscape, features multiple interconnected pools made of natural stones. The clear water reflects surrounding trees and a wooden fence, as sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
  • A person clad in a black jacket and shorts stands with a backpack in a rocky, dry riverbed, reminiscent of the rugged Gila terrain, surrounded by trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A scenic stream flows through a gila rocky landscape, surrounded by tall pine trees. The water runs clear over the rocks, with patches of green grass lining the banks. Overhead, the sky is blue with scattered clouds.
  • A gila snake, camouflaged among dried leaves and pine needles, lies on the forest floor. Its patterned body blends well with the earthy surroundings, making it less conspicuous.
  • Two hikers with backpacks wade through a shallow, rocky stream in a mountainous area. The terrain is lush with greenery and rugged cliffs under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit found in the Gila wilderness.
  • A person wearing a backpack wades through a shallow river, surrounded by lush greenery and the calming presence of gila monsters along the bank. The clear sky above adds to this serene and natural environment.
  • Towering rock formations rise against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The rugged cliffs, reminiscent of the Gila Wilderness, are surrounded by greenery, including vibrant green trees in the foreground, creating a striking contrast between the earthy tones and lush foliage.
  • Five people are relaxing in a natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, reminiscent of the tranquil habitats of the gila. A fallen tree trunk extends across the water as the group enjoys a peaceful moment in this serene outdoor setting.
  • A person in bright yellow water shoes stands knee-deep in a clear, rocky stream reminiscent of the tranquil Gila wilderness. Water flows gracefully around their legs, while dark shorts add contrast to this serene, natural setting captured from a top-down perspective.
  • A tranquil lake surrounded by grassy hills and dense forests under a partly cloudy sky offers a serene escape. The water mirrors the heavens, while gila-colored branches lie elegantly near the waters edge.
  • A small, rustic building with a sign reading Doc Campbells Post stands amidst the Gila wilderness. It features a welcoming porch, blue and beige walls, and red doors. People relax with a dog on the porch, surrounded by trees. A gravel parking area lies in front.
  • A rocky cliffside featuring ancient Gila cliff dwellings is visible under a clear blue sky. A path leads to the open, shallow cave formations with visible doorways. Sparse vegetation surrounds the area.
  • Two tents, one orange and one white, stand nestled in a dense woodland area with tall grass. Trees surround the campsite, offering shade, while camping gear is scattered nearby. The scene is peaceful and natural, reminiscent of a tranquil escape into the remote wilderness of the Gila region.
  • Three people are camping in a forested area. Two men sit barefoot on logs by a campfire, one holding a tool from the nearby Gila wilderness. Another person is in the background, bent over near the trees with camping gear scattered around.
  • A solitary figure crouches by a river amidst scenic rocky hills and lush green trees. A fallen tree trunk lies in the water, while a partly cloudy sky creates a dramatic backdrop—much like scenes one might find near the Gila River.
  • A person wearing a hat and backpack wades through a shallow river. Tall, rocky cliffs rise on one side with patches of greenery reminiscent of the Gila wilderness. The sky is bright blue with a few clouds.
  • Two people with backpacks hike through a grassy field surrounded by forested hills under a cloudy sky, as if wandering the Gila wilderness. The landscape is serene, with the soft light of early morning or late evening setting a tranquil scene.
  • A serene campsite nestled in a gila forest features two people enjoying the warmth of a campfire. Nearby, a white tent is pitched among tall trees and grass, with the gentle glow of the fire contrasting against the dim evening light.
  • A person sits on a ledge inside a rocky cave, gazing out at a lush forest where tall trees stand sentinel over a narrow, winding path below. Sunlight filters through the greenery, casting soft shadows on the rocky surfaces, while nearby, the mysterious gila silently slinks.
  • A person with a backpack scales a rocky cliff beside a calm river, surrounded by green trees and the rugged beauty of Gilas hilly landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A narrow stream winds through a grassy landscape dotted with scattered trees and hills beneath a blue sky with wispy clouds. A person walks along the path beside the stream, accompanied by their dog, as they traverse this segment of the Continental Divide Trail.
  • A person hikes uphill on a dry, grassy landscape with a small stream shimmering in the background under a clear blue sky. In this third week of the Continental Divide Trail journey, the terrain is slightly hilly, dotted with rocks and sparse vegetation.
  • A person is mid-air, jumping into a clear river from a rocky ledge during CDT week 2. Theyre wearing swim trunks, and a backpack rests near the ledge. The river flows through steep, rocky cliffs adorned with lush greenery.
  • Five people relax in a natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, reminiscent of a tranquil scene from CDT Week 2. A fallen tree trunk crosses over the water as nearby trees and foliage enhance the serene atmosphere, with clothing items draped over rocks at the edge.
  • A person stands near the edge of a flowing river surrounded by lush green trees, embodying the essence of CDT Week 2. In the background, a tall rocky cliff rises under a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds, exuding tranquility and natural beauty.
  • A sign titled Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument shares historical insights about its 1907 establishment by Theodore Roosevelt, highlighting its cultural significance and early explorations. Nestled among trees and wooden posts, it lies near the scenic CDT Week 2 trail.
  • Nestled along the rocky cliffside, a large cave entrance reveals ancient cliff dwellings. The path, part of the CDT week 2 journey, winds through sparse vegetation under a clear sky dotted with a few clouds, promising another sunny day.
  • A scenic landscape of a rocky riverbank with a clear, flowing river surrounded by lush green foliage. Tall, rugged cliffs rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the serene beauty often highlighted during CDT week 2 excursions.
  • During CDT week 2, a person wearing a backpack wades through a shallow river with rocky and green tree-lined banks under a cloudy sky. Rugged cliffs loom majestically in the background, adding to the scenes natural beauty.
  • Three hikers with backpacks trek along a rocky riverbank on CDT week 2. The river flows to the right, framed by lush greenery and cliffs under an overcast sky.

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