May 21, 2025
Silver City to Gila River Alternate mile marker 13.3
Hiked today: 22.4 miles / 36.0 km

A herd of deer farewelled us as we left Silver City, hiking through the outer suburbs and then along Little Walnut Road – the beginning of an alternate trail that promises more frequent water than the original CDT trail.

Due to the efforts of Aldo ??, the Gila River region was the first protected wilderness region in the USA. Passing mostly along rocky uneven dirt roads, we entered this wilderness region and found the first river water we have seen so far on the trail. The creeks are mostly dry, but we have passed a few spots where there were stagnant pools deep enough to allow us to fill the water bladder. Again, we are thankful to have the filter to treat all the water we collect.

Being at a higher altitude, we are again among conifers and enjoying the shade they offer. Despite that, the afternoon was very hot, and we huffed and puffed up the steep slopes as we climbed the hills and then dropped back down into river gorges.

One pretty stretch was along Sycamore Creek Gorge. The foliage here was brighter in colour, and we spotted a couple of squirrels scampering up trees. Further along, we came across a section that had been burnt some time ago, and dead trees had fallen, often blocking the trail.

After a tiring but rewarding day, we have set up camp and are ready to sleep. It is 8 o’clock and still quite light.