South Diamond Trail #68

South Diamond Trail #68 is a long-distance hiking route in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness of the Gila National Forest, following South Diamond Creek down the drainage and then up toward Diamond Peak.

It’s a point-to-point route in the drainage system: the trail maintains the bottom of the South Diamond Creek drainage for its entire route toward Diamond Peak, intersecting Me Own Trail #707 about halfway along.

Near the upper headwaters, two other named connections come into play: Burnt Canyon Trail #69 turns south up Burnt Canyon, and Turkey Park Trail #308 heads north to Spring Mountain Trail #67.

The route ends at Spring Mountain Trail #67 in a saddle between Diamond Creek and South Diamond Creek, just below/northwest of Diamond Peak.

Expect a strenuous backcountry outing—remote wilderness terrain with no trail construction aimed at accessibility—and plan to treat stream water as filterable during the hike.

The trail runs year-round, is designated for non-motorized uses, and bicycles are prohibited on portions that lie within the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. If you’re organizing a group or commercial trip, permits are required.

Access is via the South Diamond Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 4069 I (South Diamond Creek Road); from Mimbres, you drive north on New Mexico Highway 35 to Forest Road 150 (North Star Road), then continue to Forest Road 4069 I.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Aldo Leopold Wilderness in Winston | Map and Routes