Passage #16 - Gila River Canyons
| While the trail in this passage is completed there is still work being done by heavy equipment on the southern end for two miles. The construction crews will not allow you to pass through until it is completed. This work should be finished and the trail opened around the beginning of April, 2012. |
Location: Gila River to Tonto National Forest Boundary
Length: 24.0 miles
Southern Trailhead: Gila River - Kelvin Bridge
- GPS Coordinates: 33.10228° N, 110.97494° W
Northern Trailhead: Tonto National Forest Boundary
- GPS Coordinates: 33.18106° N, 111.13717° W
Trail Route Description: This passage begins at the
Kelvin Bridge as it crosses the Gila River. Just beyond the north end of the
bridge the route turns west onto Centurian Road and follows this through a
private home area to new single-track trail. The trail then follows the Gila
River for many miles - sometimes rising several hundred feet above and
sometimes near river level. It passes through several gates, crosses numerous
canyon drainages and occasionally catches a glimpse of The Spine, Walnut Canyon
Narrows, Copper Butte, and The Rincon, all to the north.
At just over 15 miles from the beginning the trail turns north, leaving the
river and traverses through the canyons. It climbs steadily on new
single-track and several short sections of old mining roads. After traversing
spectacular ridgelines and winding around numerous side drainages, the trail
crosses the boundary of Tonto National Forest and then ends at a gate on an
abandoned two-track road.
Difficulty: Difficult
Season(s): Fall, Winter and Spring (current weather forecast)
Water: Water sources are very limited along this passage, except for the Gila River which is usually murky/muddy.
Notes/Warnings:
- All water along this passage should be purified prior to use.
- Although this passage crosses State Trust Land, a permit is not required as long as you are on or near the Arizona Trail.
Resources:
- USGS Topographic Maps: Kearny, Grayback and Teapot Mountain.
- BLM Information Center maps.
For more information, contact:
- The Passage Steward
- Arizona State Land Department, 1616 W. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 542-2506.
- BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.
Current Trail Information: