Welcome back, fellow adventurers, to the second part of my summer saga in the enchanting Gila Wilderness! If you missed the first chapter, be sure to catch up on the thrilling escapades that led me to this remote haven of nature. Leaving the mesmerizing landscapes surrounding the Great Sand Dunes behind, my next stop was Pagosa Springs, where I rendezvoused with friends Richard and Jennifer.
Our time together was a delightful mix of culinary explorations, beverages, and a relaxing soak at the Overlook Hot Springs. The following day was filled with more hot tub sessions at our hotel, concluding with a scrumptious Mexican lunch before I embarked on the next leg of my journey.
Choosing an iOverlander site outside of Truth or Consequences for a night’s rest, I found myself surrounded by the lingering smoke from the Black Fire, the second-largest fire in New Mexico’s modern history.
Despite the smokey night, the morning brought clearer skies as I headed into Truth or Consequences for a hearty breakfast, gearing up for my much anticipated arrival in the Gila Wilderness.
Upon reaching the visitor’s center, I was greeted by my new dorm mates, both incredibly friendly. J graciously showed me to the housing area, and though I was a few days early, a work meeting for my day job awaited, prompting a swift plan to drop my belongings, get oriented, attend my meeting, and eagerly prepare for the adventures that lay ahead.
Excited to absorb the rich history of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, I joined my fellow ranger for a training session focused on the remarkable Cliff Dwellings. A one-mile loop took us through the dwellings, which were once home to the agricultural Mogollon people around 1200 CE. Learning about the spiritual beliefs tied to the preservation of the dwellings added a fascinating layer to the experience. Some believe their ancestors’ spirits linger within, and preservation efforts are halted to allow the dwellings to naturally return to the earth, freeing any trapped spirits. The idea that the small doors in the dwellings might have been for pet turkeys tickled my imagination.
With the day unfolding, I embarked on a quick hike on the Middle Fork Trail, conveniently located near the dorm building. That night I had the luxury of stretching out in a bed for the first time in a while, a comforting reprieve. The next morning, a solitary hike from the TJ Corral trailhead to Jordan Springs treated me to breathtaking scenery and the rare pleasure of solitude in the wilderness. A pleasure I would find not so rare for my remaining time in the Gila. With the lack of people in the wilderness, I enjoyed a private soak in the spring.
Balancing my backcountry adventures with the demands of my day job meant a strategic journey to the El Paso airport, a four-hour drive from the national monument. With an early flight in the morning, I split the drive and made my way to an “Award Winning” rest area outside of Las Cruces for a night’s stay, preparing to shift work gears briefly before the next chapter of my wilderness odyssey.
Stay tuned for more tales of secluded springs, ancient dwellings, and the untamed beauty of the Gila Wilderness. Until then, keep the spirit of adventure alive!
