Gila National Forest Access Trails
The Gila National Forest offers some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in New Mexico. Accessible from Sierra County via Kingston, Hillsboro, Emory Pass, Chloride, and Winston, these trail systems lead visitors into mountain forests, deep canyons, scenic ridgelines, and portions of the Gila Wilderness. Whether you're looking for a short walk or a full-day adventure, the forest provides access to hundreds of miles of trails across diverse landscapes and elevations.
Quick Facts
Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Trail Type: Multiple trail systems
Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Highlights: Mountain forests, wilderness access, scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing, historic communities, and high-elevation hiking.
Popular Access Areas: Emory Pass, Kingston, Hillsboro, Chloride, and Winston.
What You'll See
Hikers can experience a remarkable variety of landscapes, from ponderosa pine forests and mixed-conifer mountains to rocky canyons, wilderness ridges, and panoramic overlooks. Popular routes near Sierra County provide access to Hillsboro Peak, the Black Range Crest Trail, Scenic Trail #796, Rabb Park Trail, and numerous wilderness routes extending into the Gila National Forest.
Wildlife sightings may include mule deer, elk, wild turkey, hawks, songbirds, and other species native to the Black Range and Gila region.
Getting There
Most Sierra County visitors access the Gila National Forest via NM Highway 152 through Hillsboro, Kingston, and Emory Pass. Additional access points are available through Chloride and Winston on the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway. Trailheads, parking areas, and forest roads provide entry to both day hikes and longer backcountry adventures.
Hiker Tip
Trail conditions can change due to wildfire recovery, seasonal storms, and forest maintenance. Before setting out, check current trail conditions with the Gila National Forest and carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Many mountain trails have limited services and cell coverage.
Points of Interest
- Emory Pass Scenic Overlook
- Hillsboro Peak Fire Lookout
- Black Range Crest Trail
- Scenic Trail #796
- Historic Kingston and Hillsboro
- Chloride Canyon Access Routes
- Gila Wilderness Trail Connections