Aeroplane Mesa Trail #705
The 3.8-mile (one way) Aeroplane Mesa Trail #705 begins at Aeroplane Mesa Campground, providing access to the Gila Wilderness, Middle Fork Trail 157, and the Middle Fork Gila River.
Along the way, it offers mountain vistas and beautiful, high-elevation, open grasslands with stands of ponderosa pine. 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 countryside. 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 excellent 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.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Accessibility
This trail is not constructed to be accessible for people with disabilities.
General Information
Closest services:
Reserve is about 58 miles from the trailhead and provides auto services, gas, groceries, lodging, restaurants.
Connecting Trails:
Open year-round
There is no fee for use of this trail
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
Potable water is not provided. Trail ends at Middle Fork Gila River. Water quality is not tested. It is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water.
This trail is designated for non-motorized, non-mechanized uses.
All stock feed brought onto the Gila National Forest must be certified weed free.
Contact Phone: 575-536-2250
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
33.41700363, -108.44082642 at Aeroplane Mesa Trailhead
Parking
Ample parking at Aeroplane Mesa Trailhead
Directions
From the town of Reserve follow Forest Road 141 to approximately 35 miles and turn south toward Negrito on County Road 28 for 9.5 miles, then turn east on Catron County Road 021 for approximately 10 miles to Aeroplane Mesa Campground and Trailhead. Travel time about 2 hours.
From the town of Glenwood follow US Highway 180 approximately 4 miles north and turn east onto New Mexico Highway 159 for approximately 30 miles, following it to Forest Road 28 for 6 miles, then turn east on Catron County Road 021. New Mexico Highway 159 is not recommended for horse trailers. Travel time about 2 hours.
Additional Information
Operated By
US Forest Service
