What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail certainly isn't your average hiking trail. The route, which passes through the WSA, is a point-to-point trail that runs all the way from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. As you'd expect, the trail features a wide variety of landscapes, elevations, and difficulty levels. There are also many great areas to camp along the trail.
Length: 3,100 miles
Intensity: Varies
Dragonfly Trail
The Dragonfly Trail is a scenic loop trail found in Gila National Forest. It's a perfect destination for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching, and there are ancient petroglyphs found on the rocks roughly halfway through the route. The peaceful trail is relatively leisurely and suitable for hikers of every ability level. You can also bring your dogs as long as they remain leashed.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Mineral Creek Trail
This point-to-point route allows you to enter a real mountain canyon system where you'll observe many colorful geological formations. The hike is a bit challenging as the terrain gets rugged in certain areas, and you must cross a creek. This trail is quite long, so plan for an all-day experience if you intend to traverse the entire route.
Length: 13.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
Western New Mexico is a relatively arid region, so opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation are few and far between. However, if you travel south into Gila National Forest, you can visit the Middle Fork Gila River, which will likely provide the best fishing opportunities in the area. The river, which features roughly 40 miles of fishable water, is inhabited by the native Gila trout. There are also plenty of brown and rainbow trout inhabiting the river as well. If you want to do some recreational boating, you can utilize the river for a pleasant day of kayaking or canoeing.
Climbing
There aren't too many notable climbing destinations around the Continental Divide WSA, but the most significant is Pelona Mountain. The impressive peak is found in an extremely isolated area, and only a small number of people ever climb to its summit. However, the route to reach the top isn't particularly hazardous or complicated, and the views you'll be rewarded with will be unforgettable.
Wildlife Viewing
As with most national forests, Gila National Forest is inhabited by many different wildlife species. While you may not see as many animals in the more open areas of the Continental Divide WSA, the more densely forested region to the south is home to a variety of species. You may spot a black bear, mountain lion, or antelope. Deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are also common in the region, and you may even catch a glimpse of a wild turkey or two. If you keep your eyes on the skies, you'll have a good shot at observing a red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, or bald eagle.
Picnicking
The Continental Divide WSA is located in a very remote part of New Mexico and lacks any established facilities, so you'll probably be on your own when it comes to picnicking. You'll want to bring along your own blanket, towel, or portable chairs. If you come well-equipped, you can simply look for a serene location to hunker down and enjoy a quiet meal.
