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A beautiful climb into the the lower Gila via old forest service access roads.


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Map Key

23.1

Miles

37.2

KM

0%

Singletrack

6,094' 1,857 m

High

5,370' 1,637 m

Low

1,385' 422 m

Up

1,384' 422 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a non-technical, but long out-and-back, adventure ride that begins in the high desert but takes you into the lower Gila National Forest. Unlike the Black Range Crest Trail, this ride remains lower and take you though a beautiful canyon and across several shallow creek crossings as it extends along the base of the higher terrain above.

Need to Know

  • Park at the Lake Valley Ghost Town Viewpoint, or check with the attendant at the museum just to the north if they are okay with you leaving your vehicle in their lot while you ride.
  • Portions of this ride go through private property, so ensure you stay on the road and don't violate property boundaries.

Description

Begin climbing northwest on Highway 27 until you see a metal sign denoting the beginning of Calle de Los Rancho Road. At this point, the pavement will end and you'll be met with the most robust climbing section of the ride as you travel over Town Mountain. After coming down from Town Mountain, head over a shallow creek crossing and then turn left on Berrenda Road.

Continue along the easy road until you run into signs that direct you to the Forest Service Access (Lower Gila Access Road). Follow the access route that will take you through a scenic canyon and over several shallow creek crossings that will eventually end at a private property boundary. Turn right on Forest Service Road 888 (marked by a stake and marker) and you'll essentially be riding through the creek until you eventually ends up at a private property boundary again almost two miles later. At this point, turn around and enjoy a mostly downhill ride back to Lake Valley.

Contacts

Shared By:

Christopher Bare

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#1

in Lake Valley

#2987

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Valley

#79

in New Mexico

#2,987

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Photos

You'll find yourself in some remote but beautiful country should you choose to do this ride.
Apr 3, 2017 near Faywood, NM
This is the first of several shallow creek crossings encountered along this ride.
Apr 3, 2017 near Faywood, NM

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