Deloche Trail #179

This is a high elevation trail (approximately 7,080 feet) that leads to Whitewater Creek in the Gila Wilderness. This trail is NOT recommended for traversing.

The 7.8-mile (one way) trail climbs up Deloche Canyon and tops out on the ridge overlooking Whitewater Creek. The trail then descends down the steep canyon slopes to Whitewater Creek in the canyon bottom. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir are abundant near the canyon bottom. Travel upstream along Trail #207.1 for 0.5 mile and turn south up Winn Canyon to continue Trail #179 to its end at Spider Saddle. Pockets of aspen and dense mixed conifer line the trail. Good campsites exist at confluence of Trails #179 and #207.1.

The south-facing trail down to Whitewater Creek can be very hot, especially in the afternoon. Winn Canyon climbs abruptly with numerous switchbacks to Spider Saddle. This trail is located almost entirely within the Gila Wilderness, so please remember to follow all wilderness ethics guidelines. Make sure to Leave No Trace.

Current Conditions

This trail is NOT recommended for traversing. It is passable to the ridgetop for expansive views overlooking Whitewater Canyon. Portions of this trail were washed away due to flooding after Whitewater-Baldy Fire, resulting in huge gullies with extremely loose soil and rocks that may be hazardous to traverse.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

#179

Accessibility

This trail is not constructed to be accessible for people with disabilities.

General Information

Whitewater Creek is perennial at this elevation. Water quality is not tested; therefore, it cannot be guaranteed to be drinkable. No cell phone coverage in this area.

Closest Stores:
The closest town is Glenwood (10 miles). Services available include lodging, gas, food, phone.

Connecting Trails:

Whitewater Trail #207.1
Holt-Apache Trail #181
East Fork Whitewater Trail #213

Not applicable

There is no fee for use of this trail.

Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.

Stream nearby. Water quality is not tested. It is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water.

All stock feed brought onto the Gila National Forest must be certified weed free. Use of motorized or mechanized vehicles prohibited in wilderness areas.

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

33.380478, -108.767342 at Deloche Trailhead

Parking

Limited parking at Deloche Canyon Trailhead along New Mexico Highway 159

Directions

From Glenwood, travel 3.4 miles west on U.S. Highway 180 to New Mexico Highway 159 (Bursum Road). Turn right (east) and proceed 11.3 miles to the trailhead.

Travel Considerations

Alert, NM 159 eastbound and westbound from mile marker 4, 4 miles east of US 180 to mile marker 25, Willow Creek Campground.

New Mexico Highway 159 between milepost 3 to milepost 9.5 has steep grades and numerous tight turns. Trucks without a retarder break and/or longer that 45 feet in length are prohibited on this section on Highway 159, also required is to utilize a pilot vehicle for lengths exceeding 30 feet.