Mimbres River Trail #77

Mimbres River Trail #77 is a long out-and-back hike in Gila National Forest near Winston and Silver City, New Mexico. It drops from the trailhead down into a cooler river valley and then climbs back out to the same access point, with the upstream portion traveling along the Mimbres River.

Length is about 11.4 miles total, with the first 5.5 miles seeing the most consistent use and attention. After that, the route can become rougher as trail definition and tread conditions vary.

The descent is steep: the trail drops roughly 700–900 feet over about 2.5 miles through pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine country before reaching the river corridor.

Once you’re in the valley, navigation is tied to the river system, with multiple river crossings as the trail travels upstream. In late-season conditions, these crossings plus hazards like downed logs and brush can become the limiting factor.

The return climb is the hard part: save energy early, because you’re committing to a uphill leg after time spent in the canyon. The route is described as moderate to hard, largely from the climb-back-out and river-related obstacles.

Trail #77’s mapped surface type is a designated foot path on ground (not a paved or maintained surface), so expect natural tread. The corridor also has recurring hazards near water such as poison ivy patches.

More information: 2018-11-24 CDT Re-route: Aspen Canyon to Buckhead ..., Aldo Leopold Wilderness - Gila Trails Info, Aldo Leopold Wilderness in Winston | Map and Routes