Caledonia Trail #42
Caledonia Trail #42 is a named long-distance hiking route in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest, running along the northern edge of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The trail connects Turkey Run Trailhead to Diamond Creek, where it meets Diamond Creek Trail #40 and also provides linkage to the Continental Divide Trail #74.
The route is 3 miles one-way for the basic hike, with an extended option up to about 4.9 miles one-way. Plan around a sustained climb on the eastbound direction toward the Continental Divide, with the return involving the descent back to Diamond Creek.
Southbound from Turkey Run Trailhead, the grade starts as a moderate incline through ponderosa forests, leading to a saddle before the route drops toward Diamond Creek. The lower section passes a waterfall and rock formations on the way in to Diamond Creek.
Eastbound toward the Continental Divide, the trail begins with a gentler climb that gradually steepens as it ascends. Expect this to be the most demanding part of the out-and-back if you’re only doing the Caledonia segment.
Use the official wilderness-linked connections for planning: Diamond Creek Trail #40 runs from Diamond Creek to the Continental Divide area, and Continental Divide Trail #74 is reached further up the corridor. Caledonia Trail #42 intersects Diamond Creek Trail #40 at Diamond Creek and is described as a connecting member route between Turkey Run and the Divide system.
Access and logistics: the trail starts at Turkey Run Trailhead (off Forest Road 500). From Winston, NM, the driving route is north on New Mexico Highway 52 for 9 miles, left (west) on Highway 59 for about 14.5 miles to Forest Road 226, then south on Forest Road 226 for about 8.5 miles to Forest Road 500 (Turkey Run Road); follow Forest Road 500 straight ahead to its end at the Turkey Run #42 Trailhead.
Management notes that affect planning: there’s no fee for use, and there’s no water available on Caledonia Trail #42. Bicycles are closed on the portion inside the Aldo Leopold Wilderness area, and the trail is described as not constructed for accessibility by people with disabilities.
More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Fisherman Canyon Trail #48 in New Mexico | Walking Map