Mineral Creek Trail #201

Mineral Creek Trail #201 is a 14-mile one-way long-distance hike in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest. Follow Mineral Creek from the lower trailhead at Cooney Canyon east of Alma to the upper North Fork Mineral Creek trailhead, with just over 3,100 feet of total elevation gain.

Route character is canyon country: Mineral Creek runs through narrows with steep, rocky ground and rocky switchbacks, plus repeated creek crossings. The trail also includes a short, steep final push—about the last 0.5 mile into the North Fork trailhead—climbing roughly 500 feet up toward the ridge.

Expect junction-rich hiking. Along the way, Trail 201 intersects Red Canyon Trail #198, Log Canyon Trail #808, Bearwallow Creek Trail #190, Whitetail Canyon Trail #202, and South Fork Mineral Creek Trail #798, so you can shorten or extend trips by dropping onto side routes.

A classic strategy is to use Cooney Canyon as a checkpoint. Many day-hikers aim for roughly a 3.6-mile round-trip to Cooney’s Camp instead of doing the full end-to-end length.

Watch for wet-weather sensitivity in the canyon. The trail sits in narrow canyon sections where flash-flood risk rises during the summer monsoon season (July to mid-September), and creek crossings can involve cold, moving water—so time your hike early and be ready to turn around if storms build upstream.

Water is available from springs and streams along the corridor, but it is not treated and water quality isn’t guaranteed. Carry a filter or purifier plan and treat what you collect, especially after rain or runoff.

There’s a tangible mining-camp history thread through Cooney Canyon. The route passes remnants of Cooney’s mining camp, including a sealed mine entrance and other metal artifacts, tying the canyon walk to the old mining footprint in the area.

The trail is designated for non-motorized use with foot access, and it also allows horseback riding and mountain biking. Dogs are permitted; pack them out responsibly and keep them leashed at the trailhead and on trail. Mobile service can be unreliable in the canyon, so navigate with an offline map if you’re targeting the upper terminus.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Mineral Creek Canyon - Faszination USA Südwesten