Southwest Pack Trips New Mexico USA "This National Forest is America's undiscovered treasure, offering endless trail riding in some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere." You will explore its breathtaking canyons, creeks and meadows as you navigate the 'Blue Range' or the 'Middle Fork' of the Gila wilderness! The Gila and the Blue are places of spectacular beauty tucked away in the Southwest corner of New Mexico and into Arizona. Dependent of the season, we will explore one or the other Gila wilderness areas on unforgettable pack trips with our sure footed horses and experienced guides. Ride some of America's most pristine and unique country during the day — then relax and have some fun in our camp during the evening. The Gila Wilderness Pack Trip One of the richest and most stunning landscapes in America, the Gila Wilderness is one of  the world's largest and premier wilderness destinations. The mountains and deep canyons of the Gila are rich with human history, wildlife and adventure. Ancient Indians dating back 1000 years lived along the Middle Fork, leaving behind inspiring and interesting cliff dwellings. The Apaches called the Gila home — and one of our stops is at the birthplace of Geronimo. The Gila lays claim to the title of America's first and most expansive wilderness region, but this unique distinction does not begin to brush the surface of this powerful country, with the extraordinary diversity, tranquility and enchantment guarded at its heart. Until recently, the Gila National Forest, with its 3.3 million acres of awe-inspiring vistas, peaceful meadows, majestic rivers and deep, carved out canyons was a hidden treasure experienced by rugged trappers of the past and only the hardiest adventurers of today. Riding the Middle Fork is like losing yourself to the beauty of our planet — the inspiration you receive starts the moment we begin our journey to the moment we arrive at the trail head. This natural inspiration will renew and enrich your daily life even after you're back home. Blue Wilderness Pack Trip The Blue Wilderness, on the border of Arizona/New Mexico has been a decade long effort of remarkable search and discovery. This little-used and little-known part of America's wild country has been our passion of exploration, with the vast riches in natural beauty as our reward. These historic trails were used by the Spaniards in their quest for gold and silver, along with the Apaches in their travels from Arizona to New Mexico. There are strange and beautiful rock formations — columns of hoodoos, jutting rocks of brilliant white, sculptured rock formations — much like a visit to Utah...or the Moon! Grand, awe-inspiring vistas  . . . so many views in all directions. From Arizona look back and see into the mountains of New Mexico. View the beautiful canyons of the Blue River and endless scenery in the wild, untamed country of eastern Arizona. Large herds of elk, mule deer and bear roam this remarkable country without hesitation. Extreme remoteness . . . one of the greatest benefits of riding in the Blue is the fact of its little-to-no human use. A grand and awesome wilderness experience at its very best! ------------------ We will take you into the remote and wild countryside giving you a genuine lift in life. Experience the endless vistas of untouched country, spectacular canyon riding, deep pools of water and wild life. These pack trips are suited for every type of rider - family groups, beginners and advanced adventure-seeking riders. Each pack trip has the personal touch by our professional guide with 30 years of safe guiding experience. The riding and guides provide you with loads of historical & nature information. Meals are home cooked by the profession campfire chef. All on horses that are loved and well taken care of. Truly refresh your spirit on a pack trip in Southwest New Mexico's wilderness! Camping Ride with pack horses Short Getaway Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Glenwood or Santa Fe Airport:   Albuquerque or Santa Fe Transfer: Santa Fe Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 8.69 %  

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

The Blue Wilderness itinerary is temporarily not offered in 2022 due to forest fires in 2021 in the area.

Sample Itinerary: Gila Wilderness - subject to changes

This 5-day pack trip goes into a base camp and includes rides along the awesome Middle Fork of the Gila River, a trip up the canyon to an Indian Cliff Dwelling, and some top country to a late 1800’s log cabin. Deer, elk & bear can be seen on this trip. The elevation is around 8000 feet.

Day 0 (Saturday): Pre-trip night
(Option 1) Drive to Glenwood and check into a local B&B or hotel (not included). Dinner and breakfast is not included.
(Option 2) Drive to Glenwood and go to the trailhead. A camp will be set up there and dinner will be provided for no extra fee.

Day 1 (Sunday): Ride to basecamp
We pack our gear into vehicles, have breakfast along the way, driving to the trailhead. Then, we saddle up, pack the mules and ride into camp. The camp is located in a hidden, stunning canyon, the birthplace of Geronimo. Our comfortable camp features wall tents, cots, and everything to make your stay comfortable and warm. Elk and deer are abundant and thriving in the Gila, offering many excellent opportunities to see elk graze right along with our horses in camp, and along our riding journey.
In the evening, we enjoy a delicious Dutch Oven Meal.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp

Day 2 (Monday): Middle Fork Ride
Ride the magnificent Middle Fork of the Gila River. There is no better wilderness experience in the world, than a horseback ride along the Middle Fork. Many water crossings with towering and splendid canyon walls await us. Awe-inspiring at every turn, canyon walls tower over us, with splendid hoodoo columns rising up along every stretch. Continuous water flow offers a cool dip along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp

Day 3 (Tuesday): Historic Cabins Ride
We ride down stream on the Middle Fork, and make a gentle climb out of the canyon to a rest stop for sweeping views of the canyon below.  We continue through changing landscapes to an historic late 1800 hundreds cabin. The horses graze while we eat a healthy lunch. A most splendid experience, wondering about life in the Gila over 1000 years ago. Then, ride back to our base camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp

Day 4 (Wednesday): Indian Cliff Dwelling Ride
Today, we ride upstream from our base camp to an Indian Cliff Dwelling. These Dwellings are in a canyon few people visit. Make a short climb to the Dwelling site and inspect the many Dwellings left behind some 1000 years ago. Ride back to camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp

Day 5 (Thursday): Departure
Pack our gear and ride back across vast scenery to our trailhead. We return to the trailhead around 2- 3pm and then drive 50miles back to Reserve, NM.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Sample Itinerary: Blue Wilderness - subject to changes

This 5-day pack trip goes into a base camp and includes rides into red rock country, with 360 degree vistas and stunning landscapes, as well as a visit to a log cabin. We also ride into alpine country, with good vistas and wildlife sightings.
March, April and early May are the best times to book this trip. 6000-8000’  elevations.

Day 0 (Saturday): Pre-trip night
(Option 1) Drive to Glenwood and check into a local B&B or hotel (not included). Dinner and breakfast is not included.
(Option 2) Drive to Glenwood and go to our ranch (complimentary if room is available). Dinner is not included.

Day 1 (Sunday): Ride to basecamp
Meet at the ranch and drive to the New Mexico/Arizona border. We ride into Arizona’s Blue Wilderness area, or otherwise called Blue Primitive Area.  Riding up a narrow and spectacular canyon, our journey ends at a Spanish Mining Symbol, carved into a tree some 400 years ago. Spaniards, at the time, forced Indian slaves to do the mining. Enjoy a grand view of the valley, not many people experience.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp #1

Day 2 (Monday): Grand Vistas of Arizona Loop
Ride the incredible Blue Wilderness loop through a slot canyon, then we climb to rolling high country. While riding narrow slot canyons, one can almost touch the canyon walls on each side. Once at the top, we experience grand vistas of Arizona with its rugged mountains terrain. We will visit the ruins of a historic late 1800’s cabin.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp #1

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to Historic Cabins
Ride to our high country camp, near a fully-intact and different late 1800’s historic cabin. An excellent chance to see elk and deer along the way. Landscapes every changing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp #2

Day 4 (Wednesday): Talc Uprising Ride
One of more diverse loop riding experiences in Arizona. Landscapes and views change constantly as we move from one stunning terrain to another. One of the most unusually stops is called the “Talc Uprising” — white columns of this fine mineral explode over many acres of landscape. Terrain one might find in Utah. The most unusual geological formation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at basecamp #2

Day 5 (Thursday): Departure
Pack up camp and we journey back to the trailhead by a different route. We climb to one of the highest peaks in the Blue, passing a natural lake. Then we descend, passing through changing landscapes are we drop in elevation. From old-growth alpine terrain to desert-like environments this is the fitting end to Nature’s Hidden Treasures. We return to the trailhead around 2- 3pm and then drive 15miles back to Glenwood.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                            Glenwood area 
 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	57	61	67	74	82	91	91	89	85	75	65	57
Average Low Temperature (°F)	25	28	32	36	43	52	60	59	52	41	30	25
Average High Temperature (°C)	14	16	19	23	28	33	33	32	29	24	18	14
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-2	0	2	6	11	15	15	11	5	-1	-4
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	3	3	3	1	1	2	9	9	5	3	2	4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Uniquely located to ensure year-round comfortable riding conditions, the Gila Wilderness has the benefit of high-elevation cooling during the summer and southerly warmth during the winter. No matter what time of year - spring, summer, fall or winter - we have the perfect trail for any time of year.

The park has a mild climate, with a rainy season usually from July through August. Temperatures during the day are warm but frost may occur during the night in canyons above 8000 ft. From July to September, thunderstorms are widespread and occur almost daily. Daytime temperatures tend to be relatively mild or warm and nighttime temperatures tend to be relatively cool or cold throughout the year. Average temperatures in the higher elevation, particularly the Mogollon Range, can be cooler, depending on the season.

Spring and Fall have moderate days and cool nights. The most beautiful times of the year in the Gila are spring and late summer. In spring, snowmelt provides enough moisture to initiate new vegetative growth. In late summer, it is warm and the vegetation is still green following the end of summer rainfall season.

Winter months often have nice afternoons with cold mornings and nights. Daytime temperatures can get cold during winter but, in direct sunlight, temperatures may rise to 70 F (21 C). However, temperatures during the night drop significantly. Snow occurs most frequently between December and February. During most winters the lower elevations tend to be free of snow most of the time and when it does snow the melt-off usually occurs within a few days. Normally there is some snow accumulation in the higher elevations and during severe winters, the snow may range up to 10 feet or more in the Mogollon Range. Melt-off usually occurs during late March and April, but snow and ice may hinder travel on upper elevation trails as late as June.

Maximum Duffel Weight Including Sleeping Bag - 35 lbs. Fast access items can be stored in saddle bags. Please pack light!

- Duffel bag - multi-small, soft duffel preferred
- Sleeping bag (best to bring your own but available to borrow- please request at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag liner or blanket
- Ground pad (best to bring your own but available to borrow- please request at time of booking)
- Rain gear or slicker
- Jeans/long sleeve shirt
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Gloves
- Hat with a brim
- Flashlight
- Jacket
- Sweater
- Sunglasses
- Personal medical items
- Personal first aid kit
- Wash kit
- Chapstick, sunblock
- Camera and film
- Solar charger
- AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT!

Average ratings from 12 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date james michalets 5/13/2019 amy lahoda 9/29/2017 anthony bartolo 10/17/2012 victor lewis 10/16/2012 dennis van liew 4/17/2012 david schuster 2/15/2012 donald gall 5/19/2011 anita sanchez 10/21/2010 urska ros 6/19/2010 teresa monroe 6/10/2010 toni lea corwin 10/15/2009 fumiaki tsumori 7/25/2009

Accommodations
This is a pack trip, so most nights are spent camping.

Description
The first night is spent at a hotel nearby (not included). The next 4 night are spent camping at the base camp.

Camping
Our luxury base camp has everything set up and is ready for you to relax after a day of riding. Camp includes tents, cots, and private toilet facilities. Toilet facilities are solid toilet over a pit. Hot solar showers at the end of each day's ride are available in the shower tent. It is best to bring your own sleeping mats and sleeping bags, but some are available to borrow at no additional charge- please request at time of booking.
Some trips will also include some progressive rides with overnights in "spike camps" that will be set up each day (not permanent camps) and therefore have less comforts.
Please bring your own solar charger should you wish to charge batteries.

Tent Occupancy
Single riders will have a single tent at no added fee.
Triple occupancy is possible in a large tent.



Meals
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5 are included.

All the creature comforts in the world — a deluxe kitchen with delicious all-you-can-eat Chuck Wagon Style Dutch oven cooking. Plentiful and delicious, our meals are home cooked and will leave you asking for seconds!

Wine is included with dinner, but you are also welcome to bring your own for the trip.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter horses, Mustangs and Appaloosas
Pace:		Slow - 4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Novice +
Age:		Min 7
Weight:		Max 215 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 15

Riding
These rides require guests to be in good health and in good shape. The rides take place in mountain terrain. 

Horses
Gentle, experienced and sure-footed, our riding horses are members of our family. We have horses to match every type of rider, from beginners and children to advanced adventure-seeking riders. We have Quarter horses, Mustangs and Appaloosas.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

 

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes