Middle Fork #157 Trailhead
Trailhead in the Gila Cliff Dwellings area for Middle Fork Trail #157.
General Information
Middle Fork #157 – In 2017 the first two miles of Gilita Creek was logged. In 2018 seven (7) miles of the Middle Fork Trail #157 from the trailhead at the Gila Center to one (1) mile past the junction with Little Bear Trail #729 was logged. In 2019 seven and one-half (7.5) miles was logged and lopped from Little Bear Trail #729 to one (1) mile below the Meadows. Wonderful river walk with impressive rock formations along the way. Leafy vegetation such as clover grows very quickly and quite tall during the summer season. It can hide cairns and tread. As a result, special attention is needed to stay on the trail near where it crosses the river. In 2020 four miles of the Middle Fork Trail was logged and lopped from one (1) mile below the Meadows to three (3) miles above the Meadows. This is the narrowest part of the Middle Fork with impressive canyon walls. The falls is not passable for horses due to eroding tread on a steep hillside.
Parking is available overnight; occupancy and use at the trailhead is dawn to dusk.
No pass required
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
Please do not camp in trailhead parking areas. All stock feed brought onto the Gila National Forest must be certified weed free.
No fees are required for this site
Pets must be leashed in the trailhead
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.
Address: 3697 Hwy 35 N., HC 68 Box 50 Mimbres, NM 88049
Phone: (575) 536-2250
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 33.2257576
Longitude: -108.2411499
Elevation
5,711 Feet
Directions
Middle Fork Trailhead is located adjacent to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center, off of New Mexico Highway 15. From the intersection of New Mexico Highways 15 and 35, follow Highway 15 to its end, following signs for the visitor center.
Parking
Ample parking
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Equestrian facilities not provided at this site - See Woody's Corral or TJ Corral trailheads for equestrian facilities.