Bob and I finally left Silver City today to explore a bit of the Gila National Forest. Granted, it was a short 20 minute drive north, but we definitely saw some new terrain, road construction in progress, and a great, well-marked trail to the top of Gomez Mountain. It is also our last nice weather day for a bit, as there are wind warnings starting tonight and much cooler temps coming in.
just as we were entering the 2 miles of road construction
The Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico covers a vast landscape of forested and woodland mountains nourished by the Gila River. The heart of the forest is the 558,000+ acre Gila Wilderness, the world’s first area of land designated as a wilderness. The Gila National Forest also includes the 202,000+ acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness.
The Gomez Peak Trail System is in the Little Walnut Picnic Area of the National Forest closest to Silver City.
We walked Piñon Loop to Angel Loop and then up to Gomez Peak (elevation 7,237’). We brought the other branch of the Piñon Loop back to the parking lot. We were impressed with the trail signage and may need to go back to do some of the other hikes in the park.
Scenes from the hike.
Views from the top.
It was a great hike. Bob used his hiking poles and didn’t have any issues with the ascent or descent. He has been keeping up with his walking and weight lifting here in Silver City as he did in Tarrytown, and it is paying off with maintaining his fitness for daily activities and climbing mountains. Grateful for a beautiful day. We celebrated with an ice cream treat at DQ before the weather turns.
