- CDT NM 2025 Day 11, Thursday, April 17
- Start Gila River High Route GRHR mile 14.4
- End Gila River Alternate GRA mile 87.1
- Miles walked: 7.7 GRHA + 16.1 GRA = 23.8
Clear Creek has pools of water, the only source I find on the High Route.
As I begin descending off the mesa, down towards the Middle Fork of the Gila, a strong cold gusting wind begins to blow, with clear skies.
I arrive at the upper section of the Middle Fork, running slow and low.
I could continue past the river and follow more High Route on Aeroplane Mesa, but the strong winds are a reason to remain on the River Route.
Some small caves in the canyon walls come into view.
I climb up the earthen dam for Snow Laked
Beyond Snow Lake the trail follows up a canyon, with pools of water in the drainage.
Climbing out of the canyon, the route follows two-track on open rangeland. The wind turns bitterly cold. The best hope is to keep hiking to reach the shelter of trees in the distance.
Soon after I reach the line of trees and start setting up camp, Mesa Man arrives, and gives me a small bag of gear that dropped from my pack!
Finished audiobook A Farewell to Arms, by Earnest Hemingway.