Holt Mountain via Sheridan Gulch in Gila National Forest, NM

Hike Holt Mountain via Sheridan Gulch Gila National Forest, NM

Class 1 10.9 miles 3800 gain 5-7 hrs Out + Back Oct 17, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Holt Mountain via Sheridan Gulch GPX Track

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Lots of post-burn area trails in remote areas of New Mexico are difficult/impossible to follow, but despite a warning sign (most that need a sign like this don't have one), the Holt-Apache Trail up Sheridan Gulch was easy to follow and pretty much left me scratch-free! From the Sheridan Corral Trailhead, head up the trail as it takes you along a small ridge before dropping down into Sheridan Gulch, which I thought was super pretty. The trail weaves over the creek a few times before starting up to the summit. I was greeted by lots of snow and fog, so the views were minimal for me. Once you get to the saddle south of Holt Mountain (apparently there's a nice view here?), leave the trail and bushwhack up to Holt Mountain. Since Holt Mountain was forested, I assume the views would be minimal even without the fog.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Holt Mountain
9780 ft
1320 rise

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Starting out from the trailhead, Holt Mountain somewhere obscured by clouds up there.
Starting out from the trailhead, Holt Mountain somewhere obscured by clouds up there.
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Before heading down into Sheridan Gulch.
Before heading down into Sheridan Gulch.
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Entering Sheridan Gulch.
Entering Sheridan Gulch.
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Burn area in Sheridan Gulch, but still pretty and colorful.
Burn area in Sheridan Gulch, but still pretty and colorful.
Greenery lines the trail and it's a pretty cozy hike.
Greenery lines the trail and it's a pretty cozy hike.
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Junction with some other trail - keep left.
Junction with some other trail - keep left.
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Cross the creek a few times as you head up Sheridan Gulch, the trail pretty easy to follow the whole way.
Cross the creek a few times as you head up Sheridan Gulch, the trail pretty easy to follow the whole way.
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Eventually, you'll start out of Sheridan Gulch and head up switchbacks to gain elevation on Holt Mountain.
Eventually, you'll start out of Sheridan Gulch and head up switchbacks to gain elevation on Holt Mountain.
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Headed up the ridge to Holt Mountain.
Headed up the ridge to Holt Mountain.
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Looking back down into Sheridan Gulch (right).
Looking back down into Sheridan Gulch (right).
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Eventually I got fogged out and couldn't see anything.
Eventually I got fogged out and couldn't see anything.
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Leave the trail and head to Holt Mountain summit once the trail flattens. You get the point. I had no views.
Leave the trail and head to Holt Mountain summit once the trail flattens. You get the point. I had no views.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!