The Horseback Trip into the Gila Wilderness from El Paso

The Horseback Trip into the Gila Wilderness from El Paso -- Our exciting horseback journey in the Gila Wilderness of western New Mexico begins as we pass through grass and fern meadows where wildflowers surround beaver ponds and squirrels scamper up majestic pine trees. We make tracks to the highest peaks and the best swimming holes. Striking rock bluffs amaze us as we ride along listening to the creak of saddle leather and birdsong. Endless vistas offer unique photographic opportunities.

Includes round-trip transportation from El Paso, TX.

Horseback Trip into the Gila Wilderness from El Paso
Our exciting horseback journey in the Gila Wilderness begins as we pass through grass and fern meadows where wildflowers surround beaver ponds and squirrels scamper up majestic pine trees. We make tracks to the highest peaks and the best swimming holes. Striking rock bluffs amaze us as we ride along listening to the creak of saddle leather and birdsong. Endless vistas offer unique photographic opportunities.

There are days when riders can master the challenge of a long ride and those who need a break from the saddle can enjoy hiking, reading, birdwatching, or just hangin' out around camp. Each day we'll ride between seven and 20 miles.

Pause for lunch at a picturesque spot, stretch your legs and explore a bit. Everyday concerns will be forgotten amid the natural beauty that spans all zones from desert to alpine and exposes you to an incredible variety of terrain, plants, and wildlife.

The Camp
We pitch camp in the most picturesque locations; imagine the serenity of a green, grassy meadow beside a soothing, clear water creek. Our good-humored wranglers unpack the mules, unsaddle the horses and handle the gear. Other camp chores include gathering wood, fetching water, feeding the livestock and setting up tents. Guest assistance is always welcome but never expected.

A remarkable fact about the Gila: there are no fleas, ticks, or chiggers, no Gila monsters, and only rarely a few mosquitoes! Who would have imagined roughing it without the usual annoyances! There will be layover days with optional rides or you may choose to spend some time around camp in another favorite activity. Try hiking, reading, taking pictures, birdwatching, fishing, swimming or whatever gives you pleasure.

After a day on the trail, shuck off your boots and hats and relax with new friends around the campfire. Anticipate a real cowboy spread. We're not talkin' only beans & biscuits! Fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, and homemade desserts complement some of the best food ever, including some Southwestern cuisine.

Special diets are easily accommodated, just let us know what you need.

After dinner, enjoy campfire coffee as you listen to wranglers spin tall tales. Soon everyone joins in the good-natured, light-hearted conversation while a million stars appear above.

The Gila
Thanks to Aldo Leopold, the Gila was designated America's first wilderness in 1924. It is accessible only by simple mountain trails once traveled by prospectors, Apaches and cavalrymen. Infamous historical figures abound in this region. Geronimo's last stronghold was in Teepee Canyon in the southwestern part of the wilderness. Centuries ago, the Gila was inhabited by cliff dwellers who left us a well preserved example of their lives at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

The Gila is home to a great variety of wildlife including elk, deer, bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, fox, wolf and bighorn sheep. A large assortment of birds, as well as countless butterflies, inhabit the Gila. What a wonderful place to explore the endless array of trees, plants and wildflowers!

One more claim to fame for the Gila is the dark night sky. You will see the most brilliant star show possible! Reach for one of those stars - come visit the Gila Wilderness!

Glenwood is located in western New Mexico, on US Highway 180. It's about a 4.5 hour drive from El Paso, which is the nearest major city and airport.

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 ~ Welcome to Glenwood - a quaint and very small community...population of about 350 nice, friendly people. Check into your lodging after riding the shuttle from El Paso. We will meet you at your lodging for dinner.
DAY 2 ~ After a hearty breakfast, we will drive up to two hours through beautiful scenery to the trail head. Following a safety talk and mountain trail riding instruction, we pack up the mules, adjust your stirrups and head out. Lunch on the trail should provide just the right saddle break. After about a 7-mile ride, we'll set up a creekside camp before sundown and enjoy steaks over the campfire and tall tales around it.
DAY 3 ~ A layover day with options - YOU CHOOSE! Options include a ride along the creek through astonishing rock canyon walls past an old, abandoned log cabin homestead...OR...perhaps a swim, birdwatching, or hiking suits you better. Whatever you decide, we gather 'round for another great evening and dine under a blanket of stars.
DAY 4 ~ Ride about 15 miles to another beautiful camp. The kitchen closes, and we pack up and strike out over the ridges through pine forests. How about stopping for a short visit to an old Indian cliff dwelling hidden in the overhead bluffs? On a meadow of clover and wildflowers, we pitch our tents. Time for relaxing a bit or stretching your legs.
DAY 5 ~ Camp here again tonight, head out for the heights today. Ride through forests of lofty Ponderosa pine and massive, ancient Aspens for an extraordinary view from above. On most any day, you can see into Arizona and across the border into Mexico. See elk on the trail back to camp where appetizing fare awaits. Today's is the longest ride of the tour - about 18 miles - and well worth it!
DAY 6 ~ Break camp and climb out onto high meadows following a winding trail where wild turkey and deer might wander by. Break for lunch and ride to the last camp for a real western BBQ. You'll hardly be aware that you've traveled another 15 miles.
DAY 7 ~ We pack up after breakfast, load the mules and head out to the trailhead - a short ride of about five miles. Everyone goes back to Glenwood for a shower, farewell dinner, and overnight lodging.
DAY 8 ~ What a wonderful week! You'll have a hearty breakfast before you leave for home. The shuttle will take you back to the El Paso airport for flight departures at 1:00 pm or later.

Price includes:
All meals, camp gear, tents, horse & tack, guide, wrangler, cook and pre & post trip lodging & meals. Also included: round-trip shuttle transportation from El Paso to Glenwood. Shuttle passengers need to arrive in El Paso by 12 noon on Sunday or make arrangements to stay in El Paso on Saturday night. Please let us know where you are staying so the shuttle will schedule you for pick-up.

Designated El Paso Hotels for Pickups

You must pre-arrange to be picked up at one of the following hotels, whether you will be staying at one of them or not:
Hilton, El Paso Airport
Radisson Suite Inn, El Paso Airport
Microtel Inn & Suites
Quality Inn Airport

Preparations

The following is a sample of what to bring and should include everything you will need to be comfortable. The weather is unpredictable so be prepared for anything. Use the layering system of clothing where items can be added or taken off based on changes in temperature. Items packed in your duffel bag will not be available when packed on the mules. However, your day pack will be with you all the time.

DUFFEL BAG
An athletic bag with a top zipper is easiest to handle. It does not need to be waterproof. Try to keep the total weight of your duffel bag to 35 lbs. Pack items in see-thru or zip lock bags for organizing and keeping dryness.
- *sleeping bag (rates to 30+) may be packed separately
- *foam pad, thermarest or air mattress
- sweatshirt or sweater
- jeans (2 or 3 pair)
- shirts (2 or 3 long sleeve)
- underwear, socks & a T-shirt
- long underwear bottoms (helps prevent saddle sores)
- sneakers, moccasins or tevas
- towel & washcloth
- toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, mirror, comb, shaving kit) *A sleeping bag and pad are available to rent for $55 per trip. Please let us know in advance if you want to rent a bag and pad.

WATERPROOF DAY PACK
- warm jacket
- saddle slicker, rain suit or poncho
- camera & extra film
- hat with brim & tie
- canteen or water bottle
- swimsuit
- sunscreen
- lip balm
- bandanna

OPTIONAL ITEMS
- sunglasses
- pocket knife
- note pad & field glasses
- candy & gum
- gloves
- alcoholic beverages (only for persons over age 21)
- collapsible fishing gear
- your favorite tent (we provide tents)

El Paso hotel pick-up and drop-off available from designated hotels only. Tour includes all meals, camp gear, tents, horse & tack, guide, wrangler, cook and pre & post trip lodging & meals. Children must be age 6 to ride horseback alone. Younger child can be led by guide. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Parent or legal guardian must sign for anyone under age 18. Price is per person and there is no child price. Please reserve online or call 888-307-4147 for reservations or more information.