Guidebook

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Segment 20: Mogollon Mountains  32.1 miles

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Segment Length	from PHX	to ABQ	Segment Status	Season
32.1 mi.	335		finalized & accessible	spring, summer, fall
Resources
OVERVIEW MAP ELEVATION PROFILE G.E.T. Topo Maps 51-57 Water Chart Image Gallery: Album 6				Additional maps: Gila National Forest (USFS) Gila Wilderness (USFS) visit PLIC website Land management agencies: Gila NF Glenwood Ranger District: (575) 539-2481 (W of Mogollon Baldy) Gila NF Wilderness Ranger District: (575) 536-2250 (E of Mogollon Baldy)

SEGMENT OVERVIEW

The Grand Enchantment Trail here begins its extended tour of Gila Country, as this vast and diverse region of dark forested peaks, deep sinuous canyons, sunny ponderosa parks, and rolling desert grasslands is so well known. For the next 130 miles our route will follow an adventurous and truly spectacular course through the heart of this land, most of it on foot trails, a majority of which are located in National Forest Wilderness areas. The Gila Wilderness is first accessed in this segment, and the GET remains in its company through the end of Segment 22, a distance of some 70 miles. Designated the world's first wilderness area on June 3, 1924, the Gila Wilderness, along with the adjacent Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Blue Range Wilderness, and Blue Primitive Area, together form one of the larger intact wild landscapes remaining in the contiguous United States.

In this segment the GET makes passage over the Mogollon Mountains, actually the western rim of a giant caldera that once encompassed virtually the entire region eastward to the Black Range. Volcanic ash deposited over eons and carved by water has formed dramatic, steep-sided canyons along Whitewater and South Fork Whitewater creeks, notably along the popular Catwalk Trail, accessible as a short side hike. Beyond the canyons, our route climbs sharply to the 10,000-foot crest of the range, which it traverses in the company of an impressive boreal forest of stately spruce and fir, topping out at Mogollon Baldy (10,770'), the highest point on the GET.

Owing to its height and extensive forest cover, the Mogollon crest can harbor a considerable winter snowpack and often retains it well into spring. Mountain slopes tend to be steep, while forest trails, graded and marked for summer use, often contour across these slopes and can be exposed and difficult to follow when snowbound. Following an average winter's snowfall, and on a typical eastbound itinerary, spring thru-hikers can expect to encounter snow above 9,000 or 9,500 feet, or for as many as 12 miles of the main route in this segment. As such, they should come prepared with snowshoes and/or basic traction such as instep crampons or snow cleats, as well as an ice axe and the proficiency to use it for self-arrest in the event of a sliding accident. More than anywhere else along the route, the high crest of the Mogollon Mountains in springtime can be a place for the proficient alpine traveler only, one who possesses the ability to navigate trails hidden beneath rotten snow and marked only with occasional tree cuts and signed junctions. This is the reality of early season hiking atop this remote and rugged range. (For more on snow travel, here and elsewhere along the GET, see the related Trek Planner chapter.)

For those disinterested in such challenges, the high Mogollons are clear of snow throughout the summer, and usually into October or November when the days here can be brisk and glorious. Or you can instead hike the so-called High Country Bypass in this segment, an extensive detour that circumvents the highest terrain, via Wilderness trails and the adjacent Bursum Road, a longer route than the main GET and perhaps harboring some spring snowpack along the road, but largely without the aforementioned difficulties. For a further description of the High Country Bypass, see the latter part of the Route Details info below.

Snowpack aside, trail conditions here tend to be better than what GET hikers have experienced in parts of Arizona. Trail tread is generally well defined, most junctions are signed, and any blowdowns cleared by dedicated Forest Service trail crews, if not one year then probably the next. Ruggedness is still standard fare, though, especially on the many short but unavoidable fords of Whitewater (and South Whitewater) Creek in the early miles. Perennial water is available along these creeks, as well as at White Creek and the West Fork Gila River toward segment's end. Several small but fairly reliable springs are also located along or near the trail corridor on the high crest traverse, or snow can be melted in early season, so that finding drinking water is generally not among this segment's pressing concerns. Established trailside campsites are encountered with some frequency, although most of the trails here are not so popular as to render these sites unattractive. Outside of summer vacation season, the backcountry here is surprisingly little-used, considering all that it has to offer.

ROUTE DETAILS

The main GET begins at the trailhead for Gold Dust Trail #41 off of NM 159 / Bursum Road (waypoint 19060, elev. 5582'). (HIkers starting instead at the Catwalk trailhead at NM 174 hike a mile along the Catwalk Trail to join the main route at MP 2.0.)

Beyond the green metal gate at the trailhead, sign the register by the information board and proceed along signed Trail 41. The trail climbs via several long switchbacks, offering all-encompassing views back across Whitewater Mesa. Upon cresting a ridge, the well-constructed trail begins an eastward contour among sotol, beargrass, and scattered junipers and pinyon pines. Cross the normally dry drainage of Gold Dust Gulch at 1.1 (waypoint 20010). The bold cliffs above lower Whitewater Creek command admiration as the trail begins a gradual descent into this canyon, at length with the help of switchbacks, and reaching a signed junction with Whitewater Trail #207 at 2.0 (waypoint 20020, elev. 5600'). Here the main GET turns left (east) to join Trail 207 along Whitewater Creek. However, most hikers will want to take an hour or so to enjoy the scenic splendor of the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, which is reached by instead heading right (west) from the junction.

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Side Hike along the Catwalk Trail

During the region's late 19th century mining heyday, a water pipeline was built along the narrow canyon of lower Whitewater Creek to supply the ertswhile Graham Mill just downstream. Considered an engineering feat at the time, the suspended pipeline nonetheless needed constant maintenance, which required workers to shimmy precariously along its narrow length above the rockbound creek, hence the "Catwalk" nickname. In the 1930's the CCC developed the Catwalk into a recreation trail by installing a suspended walkway that followed the course of the pipeline. In 2005 the Forest Service completed its most recent renovation of the Catwalk Trail, modernizing the walkway and making a portion of the trail barrier-free, but the uniqueness of the experience, along with its history, have been preserved.

The Catwalk Trail spur - off of the main GET route - is about one mile in length, making for a two-mile round-trip detour. Camping is not allowed along this stretch. From its junction with Gold Dust Trail 41, follow Whitewater Trail #207 (also signed as the Catwalk National Recreation Trail) west, down-canyon. Initially dirt, the trail meanders along the south-facing slope above Whitewater Creek, which rushes around and under massive boulders shorn from the canyon walls. An interpretive overlook explains the geology of the canyon, comprised primarily of ash-flow tuff. At 0.15 of a mile, Trail 207 meets the Catwalk Trail at a suspension bridge across the creek. Here you can follow the Catwalk Trail a short ways to its eastern terminus by crossing the bridge, where the trails enters an interesting alcove within the cliff face, alongside a narrow sluice in the drainage. Proceeding down-canyon from the suspension bridge, Trail 207 and the Catwalk Trail now become synonymous. The trail soon spans the creek via a rigid metal bridge some 20 feet above the roiling waters. Cement pilings visible nearby once supported the old water pipeline, sections of which can still be found here and there along the creek. At 0.4, a set of iron stairs at trailside leads down the nearly sheer rock face to an interesting vantage of a boulder-impounded plunge pool. The trail's namesake catwalk begins at 0.7 - a raised, secure metal walkway threading the narrow gorge here. Beyond the narrows a new accessibility trail heads left, while the old foot trail on dirt keeps to the right (north) canyon wall. Both are scenic, and you can complete a loop as the trails rejoin at the Whitewater picnic ground at 1.0, just before the parking lot. A signboard with register is here, as well as restrooms, trash facilities, and water from the creek.

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At 2.0 (wapoint 20020) along the main GET, proceed east on Whitewater Trail #207. The trail remains on the canyon's sunny, south-facing slope, undulating rather awkwardly above the flood plain of Whitewater Creek. It comes down to the drainage at 2.6, passing a pleasant creekside camp, then another. The drainage is noteworthy for its lush riparian canopy, which includes cottonwoods, sycamores, maples, box elders, alders, and ash trees. Reach a signed junction with South Fork Whitewater Creek Trail #212 at 3.2 (waypoint 20030, elev. 5808'). Here the main GET route joins Trail 212, then onward to the high crest of the Mogollon Mountains. Or you can elect to follow the High Country Bypass by continuing along Whitewater Trail #207. You can join the High Country Bypass here whenever the Mogollon crest is likely to be deeply snowbound or otherwise best avoided; or you can continue along the main route, then bail out to the High Country Bypass farther ahead, dependent upon actual conditions. Refer to the Topo Map Set in order to visualize the various options, and see the route description for the High Country Bypass at the end of this chapter.

Joining Trail 212, the main route immediately fords the main fork of Whitewater Creek, typically knee-deep in springtime, or a rock-hop by autumn. A short side trail along the south bank forks left to a large camping area. Trail 212 soon joins the canyon of South Fork Whitewater Creek, passing a smaller campsite at right by some interesting rock workings, the remains of an old powerhouse that once served the Catwalk pipeline. Now entering the Gila Wilderness, ford the creek to its west side at 3.5, here in the vicinity of some beautiful pools in the polished bedrock, fed by small waterfalls, a common sight along this drainage. For the next 4 miles the GET / Trail 212 follows alongside the narrow, bouldery creek, fording it at frequent intervals - perhaps 34 times altogether. The crossings are typically ankle or shin-deep and can be rock-hopped with care, or may be deeper in springtime. The canyon itself is spectacular, with colorful volcanic and metamorphic cliffs rising boldly from the wooded creek, especially lush with Rocky Mountain large-toothed maples.

Pass a grassy campsite on the left at 3.6, offering a vantage toward Angel's Roost to the southeast. Crossing back to the east bank within a third of a mile, the trail enters a narrow section of canyon with multiple fords in quick succession. Another small camp is on the left near 4.6, and on the right at 5.0, just after fording to the east bank. A sign ahead warns that the next 1/8 mile of trail is hazardous for livestock, where the trail climbs a bit to a point above the creek via short, somewhat exposed switchbacks, offering a commanding view of the surrounding cliffs (5.2). The bend in the narrow canyon here is known whimsically as the Devil's Elbow. A lone pinnacle thrusts skyward at creekside, by the confluence with a prominent side canyon at 5.6. Pass a cozy little campsite at 5.9, although quite close to the trail. Ahead, the canyon's high drama slowly ebbs, though the frequent creek crossings persist all the way to Tennessee Meadow environs. A few attractive, forested camps are scattered along the west side of the trail by the junction with East Fork Whitewater Creek Trail #213. (The meadow itself is a short ways south.) A ragged trail sign, labelled "Grouse Mountain," marks the junction, at 7.3 (waypoint 20035, elev. 7370') Turn left (east) here onto Trail 213, fording South Fork Whitewater Creek a final time. (Westbounders, turn right (north) at the sign onto Trail 212, heading toward Whitewater Creek.)

Trail 213 soon crosses East Fork Whitewater Creek to its north side, then crosses it twice more. The trail at the crossings may be brushy; look for small cairns leading the way across. The East Fork is often little more than a creeklet among the boulders, and may occasionally be dry. The rather primitive trail remains on the north bank at some distance away from the creek, then fords it again twice in quick succession near 8.3. It now begins an ascending traverse along the south-facing slope, often well above the drainage. Ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and other conifers here show evidence of a sporadic burn. Returning to the drainage at 9.1, the trail crosses an East Fork tributary, offering final access to the creek, then climbs earnestly northeast.

The burn zone intensifies, but the trail here was cleared of blowdowns in fall of 2009 and was easy to follow. Nevertheless, the trail does not precisely follow the line on the map, so remain attentive here. A pair of switchbacks leads to the height of land along an east-west ridge. Now the trail heads east, climbing directly along the ridge, and exiting the burn area within a tenth of a mile. East Fork Whitewater Creek Trail #213 ends at a signed junction with Holt-Apache Trail #181, at 10.6 (waypoint 20038), which we join, keeping straight, climbing. At 10.8 (waypoint 20042, elev. 9378') Trail 181 reaches a signed junction with Deloche Trail #179. This location is known as Spider Saddle (the base map misidentifies it). If snowpack has become a concern you can take Trail 179 (primitive and steep, but followable) 2.3 miles down to its junction with Whitewater Trail #207 and the High Country Bypass. However, the main GET to 14.4 at Spruce Creek Saddle often follows sunny south-facing slopes that may moderate any snowpack, and you could instead determine there whether to bail out to the bypass route.

At 10.9 the Holt-Apache Trail #181 passes a signed turn-off to Nabours Spring, about 0.4 of a mile away and 320 feet downhill. Trail 181 then climbs steeply with occasional short switchbacks to a junction with Grouse Mountain Trail #781, at 11.6 (waypoint 20044, elev. 9828'). This side trail climbs a half mile to a grassy opening near the 10,135-foot summit, with superb views and potential camping. Now Trail 181 drops sharply southeast to a saddle along the ridge. It then contours over to another saddle, well timbered with massive Douglas firs, at 12.4. Again it contours along the south side of the ridge, rejoins at a saddle at 13.2, then initiates a longer contour around Indian Peak, with occasional views southward to Sacaton Mountain beyond the canyon of Spruce Creek. Reach Spruce Creek Saddle and a signed junction with Redstone Park Trail #206 at 14.4 (waypoint 20080, elev. 9620'). Ample room for camping is available at the open, grassy saddle, although the numerous wind-felled aspens are a cautionary sight. Trail 206 heads northwest, descending to Whitewater Creek in 2.9 miles, there joining the High Country Bypass near Redstone Park. Springtime eastbounders can take this bail-out as dictated by snowpack conditions to this point, or as warranted by conditions ahead on the main route (bailing out back to the saddle, then down to Whitewater Creek).

Trail 181 - the main GET route - leaves Spruce Creek Saddle somewhat obscurely on its southeast side, climbing southward into the heavy boreal forest. After a single switchback, it leaves the ascending ridge, contouring along its east side on steep, shady slopes to reach Black Mountain Spring at 15.2 (waypoint 20090). A metal pipe taps the drainage flow here, though sometimes yielding only a trickle. The ascending contour tops out at a small saddle with campsite clearing by a junction with Golden Link Trail #218. Our Trail 181 heads south, downhill, shortly reaching the signed turnoff for Sacaton Mountain Trail #180 at 15.7 (waypoint 20110, elev. 10,217'). You can turn right on this trail to visit Apache Spring cabin, a rustic facility with indoor camping potential in a pinch, a wood stove, and even a hiker register. The small cabin is located just beyond its namesake spring, a modest pool in an alcove at trailside, less than 0.1 mi. from the trail junction. (Westbounders, the GET turns right at 15.7, climbing, or continue straight to reach Apache Spring and cabin.)

Now again on sunny, south-facing slopes, Holt-Apache Trail #181 contours pleasantly eastward, offering up far-flung views beyond the aspen-cloaked ridges of Black and Sacaton mountains, and also to Mogollon Baldy, ahead on our route. The meadowy trail follows the trend of the east-west ridgeline here, while avoiding the summits. Beyond a saddle the trail passes to the north side of the ridge, traversing along a quite steep slope, forested with stately, lichen-covered Englemann spruce, Douglas and white fir. It touches another saddle before resuming a north side traverse, then at the third saddle in the sequence returns to the south side to contour around the summit of Center Baldy. The grassy 10,535-foot summit can be reached via a short side climb. The saddle just beyond is a major one, where our east-west crest meets a north-south crest. Here as well the Holt-Apache Trail #181 meets signed Crest Trail #182 (17.3, waypoint 20120, elev. 10,337'). Turning left (north) onto Trail 182 would lead a couple of miles to Whitewater Baldy, at 10,895 feet the highest peak in the Mogollon Mountains. Instead we turn right, following Trail 182 eastbound.

Cross a minor saddle at 17.4, with flat ground suitable for camping. Trail 182 then traverses downhill around the south side of the main ridge, passing a signed junction with Turkeyfeather Mountain Trail #102 at 18.1 (waypoint 20130). Be careful not to walk right by Hobo Spring, a small pool and trickle just below the trail at 18.4 (waypoint 20140), with a few semi-sloping campsites located nearby. Little Hobo Spring at 18.7, just to the left of the trail for an eastbound hiker, can be even easier to miss, as its wooden sign is located a few yards east of the unassuming little pool. The mature aspen forest here is truly magnificent to behold at the height of fall color in October.

Reach a junction with West Fork Mogollon Creek Trail #224 at West Fork Saddle (19.5, waypoint 20150, elev. 9655'). Established camping is here, although the forested saddle is often windswept. The spring shown on the map must be a ways down the northeast side of the ridge, but the unmarked side trail is littered with large windfelled timber. Leaving the saddle, our Crest Trail #182 ascends, traversing alongside the west-facing slope of the ridge, first through living forest, then entering a burn area (1996) at around 20.3, which persists to the summit of Mogollon Baldy. The trail is usually cleared of any blowdowns each summer. However, the more pressing issue for early season hikers may be the snowpack. If the steep, westward exposure here becomes problematic, then where the trail regains the crest of the ridge at 21.0 (waypoint 20160), you can continue cross-country, due south, up the ridge to Mogollon Baldy's summit. The trail itself passes a cairn and sign for Blacktail Spring (off to the east side of the ridge), then returns to the western slope. At length it switchbacks once, uphill to the northeast, then regaining the ridge arcs southeast to pass just east of the summit lookout cabin. Welcome to the highest point directly along the GET! (21.6, waypoint 20180, elev. 10,770') Built in 1923, the historic cabin is staffed during fire season, when no camping is allowed at the summit. The rest of the year the cabin is locked, but its sheltered porch would serve as a refuge in a storm. The nearby lookout tower is likewise off-limits, although it hardly matters, as the views from this open peak are unencumbered. Visible to the west on a clear day is distant Mount Graham, and to the east the San Mateo Mountains (still 150 trail miles away), beyond the long spine of the Black Range. Indeed, much of southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona is on display here.

Leaving the summit, Crest Trail #182 becomes Mogollon Baldy Trail #152. It heads east along the gentle crest of the forested ridge, then begins a gradual, switchbacking descent down the meadowy southeastern slope. When snowbound, the trail would be especially difficult to follow here, recommending a careful cross-country descent of the open, though not exceptionally exposed slope (toward waypoint 20190). At the base of Mogollon Baldy's summit cone, the trail regains the now narrow crest of the ridge, which it follows through a broken forest of spruce, fir, and aspen. At 23.0, it re-enters the open at Snow Park, heading south along the sloping meadow just to the east of the ridge crest. (Westbounders in autumn may find the meadow lavish with the summer's withered ferns, when the trail can be a little difficult to follow. It heads back into the woods at 33 15.728 N  108 34.848 W.)

Just before leaving Snow Park at its southern end, pass a signed side trail on the left, leading to fairly reliable Snow Park Spring, 300 vertical feet downhill, in about a quarter mile. Camping is possible near the junction, although the area is often windswept. Returning to the forest, our Trail 152 passes a pair of junctions in quick succession near 23.7, where it keeps left. Descending northeast, the trail enters an impressive old growth forest which includes many large-girth aspens, some of which still bear the mark of early travelers (one such carving was observed to be over 80 years old). Dipping through a minor notch on the ridge at 24.8 (waypoint 20210), the trail contours, then descends more easterly, trading the boreal forest for a more park-like woodland of ponderosa and Douglas-fir at 25.6 (elev. 9000'). The ridge broadens here, and the gradient slackens, making for a leisurely stroll, likely out of the snow zone for springtime eastbounders. Final good views of the Mogollon crest appear off to the south near 26.4, beyond which the trail continues almost due east on a remarkably easy and steady grade, in stark contrast to the sharp western slope of the range - the rim of the ancient caldera.

Keep left at a signed junction with Trail 302 at 29.2 (waypoint 20220), staying on Trail 152, which switchbacks down into the little canyon of perennial White Creek, crossing it easily at 29.5. Meadowy camp spots are off-trail, a short ways down the drainage. The rocky trail traverses up and out of the canyon, then turns northeast along Cub Mesa among a partially burned ponderosa forest, reaching a junction with West Fork Trail #151 at 30.3 (waypoint 20330, elev. 7650'). This spot marks the eastern terminus of the High Country Bypass, which heads west (left) on Trail 151. (Westbounders interested in avoiding the Mogollon crest would continue straight on Trail 151, or turn left onto Trail 152 to continue on the main GET.)

Turning right (east) onto Trail 151, our route descends gradually off the mesa, crossing and then traversing downhill along the south side of a steep drainage, where you may find some trailside seeps. Leaving the burn zone, the trail levels out again in the wide, flat-bottomed canyon of the West Fork Gila River, turning right (southeast) at a junction with Trail 815. (Westbounders note that this junction may be signed only for Trail 815, which remains in the canyon bottom, while Trail 151 forks left (west) and soon climbs away.) At length Trail 151 fords the willow-lined West Fork Gila River, which is typically 5 yards wide here, shin deep and fairly gentle, and is the only required ford for those following the West Fork Highwater Bypass in Segment 21 (described in that guidebook chapter). This bypass actually begins here at the end of Segment 20, just beyond the ford, at 32.0, where signed Trail 30 climbs out of the drainage, heading to Lilley Park.

Fording the Gila once more, then immediately crossing now-familiar White Creek, just above the confluence, West Fork Trail #151 arrives at serene White Creek Flat, with ample grassy camping opportunities. The segment ends here by the Forest Service's White Creek Administrative Site, a rustic log cabin (locked) that is only very sporadically staffed. (32.1, waypoint 20360, elev. 6856').

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ELEVATION PROFILE

High Country Bypass

The 39.1-mile High Country Bypass avoids the 10,000'+ crest of the Mogollon Mountains, in favor of an overall lower route that is less likely to harbor - though not certain to avoid - spring season snowpack. Starting along the main fork of Whitewater Creek, the route proceeds east, up canyon, fording the creek at frequent intervals - perhaps 40 crossings in all. The 5-yard-wide creek tends to run cold and somewhat swift in early season, but is typically not much more than knee deep in places, and is manageable with care. Snowpack isn't usually encountered until the bypass climbs north out of the Gila Wilderness onto the Bursum Road, which it follows over 9100' Silver Creek Divide, its high point. The gently-graded dirt road, closed to vehicles in early season, may harbor snow on its shady bends, on and off for perhaps 7 miles, but without the routefinding or exposure concerns of the Mogollon Crest trails encountered on the main GET route. The bypass route then reenters the Gila Wilderness to the east of the Mogollon Crest, where it trends south, following a network of foot trails, often leisurely in nature, and at elevations sufficiently low to promise mostly snow-free walking. Although not currently listed on the Water Chart, small creeks along this stretch provide drinking water in spring.

West to east, the High Country Bypass diverges from the main GET route at milepoint 3.2, and rejoins it again at 30.3. Making use of the 39.1-mile Bypass thus adds 12 miles to the total length of this segment as listed at the head of this page. However, seasoned hikers may find that the Bypass requires no more time to traverse than would the main route when snowbound, due to the comparitively lesser difficulty of the Bypass at such times. As with the main route, the Gila National Forest trails that the Bypass uses are generally signed and, when free of snow, are followable without routefinding challenges.

From the junction with South Fork Whitewater Creek Trail #212 at 3.2 along the main route (waypoint 20030, elev. 5808') (0.0 along the Bypass) continue east on Whitewater Trail #207. The trail initially keeps to the north side of Whitewater Creek, passing Powerhouse Trail #810 on the left (north) at 0.3 (waypoint 20040). Entering the Gila Wilderness, Trail 207 remains above the creek until 2.2, where it passes a campsite along the north bank, then fords to the south side near 2.5, with another good-sized camp here. After three more fords and one more camp, pass a junction with Deloche Trail #179 at 3.9 (waypoint 20050), which climbs away at left (north). Trail 179 also joins our Trail 207 here as we continue east in the canyon, again fording to the south bank. The trail now traverses away from the creek, passing a camp, beyond which Deloche Trail #179 leaves at right (south) (4.3, waypoint 20060). Signed "Grouse Mountain 5 miles," this is one of two connector trails between the Bypass and main route along the crest.

Heading toward Redstone Park, Trail 207 now hops across the often flowing side drainage of Winn Canyon, before returning to ford Whitewater Creek. It fords about 16 more times in the next 2 miles, as the trail, like the drainage, is hemmed in by talus slopes. Watch out for occasionally slippery bedrock underfoot at the crossing points here and ahead. At length, the trail meanders into a side canyon north of the creek, climbing to cross a minor flowing gully, then returns to Whitewater Creek at around 6.7. It fords the creek twice, then enters another flowing side canyon.

15 more fords of Whitewater Creek lead to a signed t-junction with Redstone Park Trail #206 just above the south bank (8.3, waypoint 20070). (The junction may be somewhat obscured by deadfall and debris, as it was in 2005.) Here Trail 206 heads right (west), traversing up and out of the drainage en route to Holt-Apache Trail #181 along the main GET route. Intended primarily as a bail out option from the main route, Trail 206 can also be ascended if wanting to assess snowpack conditions firsthand, perchance to rejoin the main route along the crest should conditions permit. The High Country Bypass instead turns left (east) at 8.3, continuing on Trail 207 (which is also shared by Trail 206 until Redstone Park). Ford a final time to the north bank of Whitewater Creek near 8.5, with a series of good, flat camp spots beyond at trailside. This is Redstone Park, a scenic and quite remote setting with several side canyons pouring in nearby during the spring snowmelt season. Leaving Whitewater Creek Trail #207 here (waypoint 20072, elev. 7829'), Redstone Park Trail #206 heads left (north) at the signed junction ("Highway 159 4 3/4 miles") and we join it, promptly climbing out of the canyon.

Trail 206 ascends steadily, finally exiting the Gila Wilderness at a saddle at 12.8, then dropping several hundred feet in elevation to cross little Silver Creek in a meadowy setting. The trailhead is just beyond, located at a switchback in the road at 13.2 (waypoint 20230, elev. 8576'). Gated to exclude vehicles in early season, this is the Bursum Road (aka NM 159), which the Bypass now joins, first climbing northwest toward another switchback. If you haven't encountered much in the way of snowpack yet, then you may or may not find your luck changing as you approach Silver Creek Divide (14.6, waypoint 20235, elev. 9100'). Contouring along forested north-facing slopes, the graded dirt road continues east, remaining above 9000' for another 6 miles. Any snowpack is typically most prevalent on east facing bends in the road and wherever the road contours into the heads of drainages. Cold Spring, shown on the topo map southwest of the Sandy Point trailhead at 16.3, was not investigated. Pass the trailhead for South Fork Mineral Creek Trail #798 at 21.2 (waypoint 20250, elev. 8860'), with decent camping prospects across the road, among the forest. You might find occasional snowmelt pools in the road shoulder nearby, or could plan to melt any snow over a stove or fire. Otherwise, continue northeast on the Bursum Road, passing around a gate, then ignoring a junction with FR 153 on the left (north) at 21.6. The ponderosa pine forest here was burned in the Bear Fire of 2006.

Leave the Bursum Road / NM 159 at 24.9 (waypoint 20270) and the burn zone, and join the road heading south into sprawling Willow Creek Campground (closed in early season, but accessible). Keep to the main road, along the west side of reliable Willow Creek, then ford the shallow creek to find the signed trailhead for McKenzie Trail #151 near 25.2 (waypoint 20280, elev. 7939'). (Note an outhouse nearby, perhaps the second one since entering the campground.) Trail 151 - which will later become West Fork Trail by the same route number (see Segment 21) - heads up along smaller Turkey Creek, then traverses into a neighboring dry gully. Here it enters the Gila Wilderness, climbing south onto Iron Creek Mesa, a sunny ponderosa park-type environment that typifies the rolling uplands east of the Mogollon Crest. Whitewater Baldy Trail #172 heads off at right (west), just before our Trail 151 passes shallow, murky (sometimes dry) Iron Creek Lake. A short ways beyond the lake, as the trail starts down off the mesa, reach a junction with Iron Creek Mesa Trail #171 at 26.6 (waypoint 20290). Remain on Trail 151, which heads south into a prominent gully. At the confluence with perennial Iron Creek it turns east, down-canyon, with attractive camping prospects here and there at waterside. Remain on Trail 151 where it fords Iron Creek at 29.1 (waypoint 20300), then turns south up Cooper Canyon, passing a turnoff on the left (east) for Trail 141.

Now Trail 151 climbs to a height of land above drainages - Turkeyfeather Pass at 30.9 - with Trail 102 at right (south), then Trails 175 and 164 on the left (east) in quick succession. Here our Trail 151 enters the canyon of Turkeyfeather Creek at its head. The likelihood of the creek flowing increases as you continue down the canyon, frequently crossing back and forth in the narrow, v-shaped drainage. Turkeyfeather Creek pours into the West Fork Gila River at 33.6, normally a modest flow this close to its headwaters, and which the trail initially fords to gain its west bank. At 34.7 (waypoint 20320) Trail 151 comes to a junction with Trail 815, a primitive route which remains with the West Fork and involves fording. As hikers following the main route in Segment 21 will soon have plenty of experience with fording the West Fork, the recommended route here instead continues with Trail 151 as it heads toward higher ground. The trail winds briefly into the little drainage of Cub Creek, then switchbacks up onto pleasant Cub Mesa, offering dry camping potential. It rejoins the mesa after a brief dip into Packsaddle Canyon which bisects it. Finally Trail 151 bends east in partially burned, open ponderosa forest to a signed junction with Trail 152 and a rejoining of the main GET route at milepoint 39.1 (waypoint 20330, elev. 7650'). (This is milepoint 30.3 of the main route. Remain on Trail 151 eastbound.)

Segment 19

Segment 21