Part of this year’s Gila River Festival. Register now; space is limited.

Participant limit: 25. Fee: Free, however registration required.
Difficulty: easy
Meet at the Murray Ryan Visitor Center at 211 N. Hudson St. at 9:45 am. From there we will carpool and caravan to the Gila River Bird Sanctuary Trail, about a 40 minute drive one way that requires some driving on a well graded-dirt road suitable for any vehicle.

Join us on this family-friendly hike with Luke Koenig along the Gila River upstream of the Gila Middle Box, a reach proposed for federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River. The Gila River is a special place: not only is it the last remaining undammed, mainstem river in New Mexico, but along its banks is found the most representative cottonwood forest, or bosque, left in the southwest. Cottonwood trees, dependent on naturally flooding desert rivers, are the foundation for much of the rest of the desert riparian ecosystem, providing shade and stabilizing the riverbank. Countless native plants and animals depend on their presence. Come hike and play under the canopy of this amazing forest and along the free-flowing river that gives it life. This is an easy, mostly flat, hike suitable for all ages.

The hike is approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip. We will hike slowly and as a group to a beautiful riverside turnaround point, and stop for lunch. After lunch, we will hike back to the parking lot, and expect to be back in Silver City by around 2pm. This hike is free and a free lunch will also be provided to all participants with registration. Please bring plenty of water, a small backpack or bag to hold your water and free lunch, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and appropriate footwear.