Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Aeroplane Mesa #705 Trail
This trail offers mountain vistas and beautiful, high-elevation, open grasslands with stands of ponderosa pine.
3.8 miles of this trail was logged in the summer of 2017. Trail #705 descends the grassy, southern slopes of Loco Mountain and traverses Aeroplane Mesa. The gently rolling, open grassland and distant mountain vistas offers a tempting invitation to wander across this beautiful countyside. Stands of ponderosa pine occur in canyons and on hill tops and provide shelter for the elk herds that favor this open country. At the end of Aeroplane Mesa the trail descends 500 feet into the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Gila River. This is an execllent trail for access to this upper segment of the river.
At the Gila River Trail #705 connects with the Middle Fork Trail #157 which follows the length of the river from Snow Lake to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It also connects with the Trotter Trail #30 which leads to the West Fork of the Gila River.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Light |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Reserve, NM |
| Water: | Stream nearby. Water quality is not tested. It is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water. |
| Information Center: | Wilderness Ranger District Phone: (575)536-2250 |
General Information
General Notes:Closest Stores:
Reserve is about 58 miles from the trail head and provides auto services, gas, groceries, lodging, restaurants.
Parking:
There is ample parking at the trailhead. The parking area can accomodate horse trailers and RVs.
Directions:
From the town of Reserve follow Forest Road 141 to 28, then turn east on CA021. Travel time about 2 hours.
From the town of Glenwood follow NM 159 to Forest Road 28, then turn east on CA021. NM 159 is not recommended for horse trailers. Travel time about 2 hours.
Activities
Campground Camping
There are 4 campsites at the trailhead available on a first come, first served basis.
| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Status: | Open |
|---|
Dispersed Camping
The many open valleys at the trail's end in the Middle Fork of the Gila River offer good camping. Since the Middle Fork is heavily used, camping away from the river in unused locations and practicing "Leave No Trace" camping techniques is recommended. Fuel stoves instead of fires are also recommended.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
Day Hiking
This easy trail runs from Loco Mountain to the Middle Fork of the Gila River and offers mountain vistas and beautiful, high elevation open grasslands with stands of ponderosa pine.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Backpacking
This trail connects to others in the wilderness offering good opportunities for those seeking extended backpacking trips.
| Status: | Open |
|---|
Horse Camping
There are 4 corrals and ample parking available on a first come, first served basis.
| Status: | Open |
|---|
Horse Riding
The campsite offers 4 pipe horse corrals available and ample parking for horse trailers. These facilities are on a first come first serve basis.
| Status: | Open |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
The river is prime riparian bird habitat. Beaver thrive here and their presence enhances the wilderness experience. Their dams can be found all along this segment of the river.
| Status: | Open |
|---|