Gila Box National Conservation Area
Nov 11, 2019 17:48:19 GMT -8
MTalpine, GaliWalker, and 2 more like this
Post by desert dweller on Nov 11, 2019 17:48:19 GMT -8
With Veterans Day weekend on the horizon I decided to take the Friday off before which would allow for a four day weekend. Roadtrip! Was my first thought and picked a place I’d always heard about but had never visited. The area looked enticing on Google Earth and so, after doing some research it became the primary destination. Perfect weather, mostly clear skies and a full moon on the rise practically demanded a trip.
Basically, it’s an area where the Gila River goes through some narrows. It’s a protected riparian area. There is an active ranch along part of the banks, mostly on the east end of the area. I had to maneuver the jeep close to a dirt road drop off on the way to the campsite and let three large cattle trailers being hauled by pickups pass by.
The semi-developed pay campsite was near Owl Canyon and located on the north bank of the river on top of the area where the river flowed.
Basically, it’s an area where the Gila River goes through some narrows. It’s a protected riparian area. There is an active ranch along part of the banks, mostly on the east end of the area. I had to maneuver the jeep close to a dirt road drop off on the way to the campsite and let three large cattle trailers being hauled by pickups pass by.
The semi-developed pay campsite was near Owl Canyon and located on the north bank of the river on top of the area where the river flowed.
Here is a view looking west down the river from the campsite.
I tried out a new cot-tent and, with only one other person at the campground, had a very quiet evening. The next morning the dawn was with filled with hoots from multiple owls thus giving great credence to the side canyon’s name. Also, the next morning, I tried out a new pack system that will be used for these low mileage, overnight and remote desert sites I’ve been doing lately. My regular backpack has a 65 liter capacity and the one I’ll be using for the short hikes has a 30 liter capacity. Everything with food, water, shelter and gear is weighing in at about 25 to 30 pounds. I’m good with that.
I put some water and snacks in a day pack and set out to do some scouting down canyon to the west and was back to the jeep around 2 headed out soon after. Here are a few photos and a short video.
