Crest Trail #182

Crest Trail #182 is a high-country hiking route in the Gila Wilderness that generally follows the crest of the Mogollon Mountains from Sandy Point past Whitewater Baldy and onward along the ridge to Mogollon Baldy. It’s mapped as a designated foot route over ground surface, and it stays almost entirely within the Gila Wilderness boundary.

The standard long-distance push is about 11.8 miles one-way (23.9 miles out-and-back total if you return to your start). The trail climbs to elevations above 10,000 ft and is considered strenuous/difficult, aimed at experienced backpackers who can handle steep, remote terrain.

You’ll cross the footprint of the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire. Expect frequent deadfall: standing dead stems are prone to falling and downed trees can block or force detours across the route, especially after wind events; parts of the landscape are now regenerating, including patches shifting toward aspen.

A fire lookout tower sits atop Mogollon Baldy, making this route a true ridgeline summit day for hikers who are comfortable with big elevation gain and exposed, high-elevation travel.

Water is seasonal and not always reliable. Spring water is available but water quality isn’t tested, so plan on filtering or treating what you find and carry enough to bridge gaps between sources.

The trailhead for Crest Trail #182 is at Sandy Point on a year-round access road approach from Glenwood. At the Crest #182 Trailhead: dawn-to-dusk use, vault toilet, no potable water, ample parking, and horse/pack animals allowed; permits are only required for commercial or organized uses, and there’s no fee for use of the trail/this site.

NM-159 to Sandy Point has steep grades and tight turns; trucks longer than 45 ft are prohibited on that section, and lengths over 30 ft require a pilot vehicle. The road has an ongoing advisory for those driving large vehicles, so plan an approach vehicle-appropriate route.

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