Middle Fork of Gila River and Little Bear Canyon Loop in Gila National Forest, NM

Hike Middle Fork of Gila River and Little Bear Canyon Loop Gila National Forest, NM

Class 1 11.1 miles 1100 gain 4-6 hrs Loop Apr 7, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Middle Fork of Gila River and Little Bear Canyon Loop GPX Track

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The Middle Fork of the Gila River (Trail #157) is an extended route through the heart of The Gila, but this hike only follows it until the junction with the Little Bear Canyon Trail (Trail #729), which forms a nice loop. I started from the Middle Fork Trailhead and started north. The trail quickly enters the watercourse of the Middle Fork of the Gila River. The surrounding cliffs begin to rise and form gorgeous pinnacles and tall walls, and the river banks have confierous trees that make the hike really cozy. I had to cross the river many times along the way. After a few miles along the river where I was enjoying the tall cliffs immensely, I was a bit upset to learn I would be leaving the canyon in order to start the second half of the loop, the Little Bear Canyon Trail. One day I'll be back to continue north through the gorgeous watercourse.

I started south through Little Bear Canyon, which begins with some very cool narrows and a small, flowing stream. Moss caked the deep slot's walls and the narrow portion lasted longer than I thought it would. The trail left the narrows and continued south through the hills, making its way to the TJ Corral Trailhead. I followed the road back to the Middle Fork Trailhead to complete the loop.

I recommend also checking out the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument for some cool history.

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Starting from the Middle Fork Trailhead, a short bit of hiking leads down into the watercourse.
Starting from the Middle Fork Trailhead, a short bit of hiking leads down into the watercourse.
Within the Middle Fork of the Gila River watercourse.
Within the Middle Fork of the Gila River watercourse.
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Coniferous forest on the banks of the river.
Coniferous forest on the banks of the river.
Gorgeous cliffs on either side.
Gorgeous cliffs on either side.
One of many crossing of the Middle Fork.
One of many crossing of the Middle Fork.
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The canyon begins to introduce much taller walls.
The canyon begins to introduce much taller walls.
Cool pinnacles on the sides of the canyon.
Cool pinnacles on the sides of the canyon.
Tall cliff faces.
Tall cliff faces.
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It only got more dramatic the farther I went.
It only got more dramatic the farther I went.
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Eventually I made it to the point where the Little Bear Canyon Trail popped in on the left.
Eventually I made it to the point where the Little Bear Canyon Trail popped in on the left.
Starting along the Little Bear Canyon Trail, now heading south.
Starting along the Little Bear Canyon Trail, now heading south.
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Incredibly cool moss-covered narrows within Little Bear Canyon.
Incredibly cool moss-covered narrows within Little Bear Canyon.
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The narrows being to open and the hike continues into the hills to the south.
The narrows being to open and the hike continues into the hills to the south.
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Along the Little Bear Canyon Trail.
Along the Little Bear Canyon Trail.
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Making my way to the TJ Corral Trailhead, ahead.
Making my way to the TJ Corral Trailhead, ahead.

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!