Recently, we completed a 5-day backcountry exploration of the New Mexico Gila. The route skirted the Gila Wilderness over 275+ miles of remote dirt tracks leading through grassy plains, high desert and lush aspen groves. The diversity of what we covered and experienced was truly epic. It is hard to describe how this trip was one of the most inspiring I have taken in quite some time. Most of what I post will be photos without commentary. Enjoy

 

The Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin—it was the starting point for this trip. As certain routes through the Gila can take 2 or 3 days, traversing 175+ miles of rough dirt roads between service, fuel tanks should be topped off before entering.

 

We traveled due south from the VLA, covering some 60 miles of dirt over high desert prairie reminiscent of the scenery in Dances With Wolves. The first evening, we made camp where the Plains of San Agustin meet the foothills of the Gila Wilderness. Smoke from distant forest fires hung in the sky providing a spectacular illumination at dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent trip Vermejo.
Pictures look great.

I am sure I have seen that green FJ around online before too.

All the pics are great, the cooking ones are making me hungry.

Beautiful area you went to.

I always enjoy your trip reports.
Keep 'em coming!

 

Nice.

 

always look forward to your photos. thank you for sharing.

 

Thanks for all the kind words.

 

 

 

Very awesome pictures, Man!! Looks like you had a great time away from civilization.
Glad to see Georges FJ back out on the trail. Wasn't sure if he'd still be in the game after his crawler failure at the hammers..

Thanks for sharing your pictures.
I can't wait till I have a chance to get down to Baja.


Maybe from my pictures of out in the hammers...
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...0/DSCN1450.jpg

... Georges Inchworm crawler failed during this run.. it was only the low range gears so he was able to get out and back to camp okay..
Good times. That was a hell of a run.


Sorry for the thread clutter.

 

Great pictures!!!!

 

It would take more than a whiny Inchworm to keep George off the trail. He had the truck back together in time for Cruise Moab and a slew of other trips—including this one.
Thanks!

 

Beautiful pics! Really makes me want to get out of the city.

 

great pictures

so where can I find a map of the trails?

 

Awesome, as usual Vermejo!

 

Thanks, guys!



I appreciate all the feedback.