I’m a backpacker from west texas, your trail videos on the gila is some of the best information out there. The southwest is so rich with history I can really appreciate your history lessons
I moved from the East Coast. And end up having the gila's in my back yard. The gila's are an amazing place to spend time. The one thing I noticed is that spending time there. The night sky's and no aircraft traffic. Lots of solitude. And you don't run into a lot of people .
Just came across this video, and have enjoyed it very much. I grew up in Silver City and have been over much of the Gila Wilderness. My uncle Hal Mortensen was a forest ranger and actually lived at the White Creek cabin in the 50's. The trail in from Willow Creek was wide and well maintained, and they pulled a "narrow guage" wagon with auto tires to carry supplies. My first encounter with the cabin was in 1966 when I accompanied several friends who worked for the forest service and we stayed in the cabin while fishing the local creeks. All the barns and corrals were in place at that time. Later, as an adult, I brought several groups of scouts to the area and camped nearby. (we were not the ones who destroyed the barn!) Again, thanks for the cool video.
It’s amazing how well everything was maintained back then. I wish I could see that cabin when it was being used regularly and the trails were better. I didn’t realize they were bringing wagons over from willow creek. Last time I checked the trail down turkey feather pass wasn’t even passable by a mule string much less a wagon.
Ty, Great video. I'm a native New Mexican. Live in Las Cruces. My grandfather worked with the CCC's and lived at Thunderbird Camp. I remember my grandfather talking about cutting some of those trails. My son and I are planing a backpacking hike up the middle fork and back down the west fork. I've been watching a lot of videos of backpacking and came acros your video. It was awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing the places you were talking about
I’m sure your grandfather had some amazing stories from his time in the CCCs. I always wonder if they realized at the time how long their projects would last. You’ll have a great trip. There is a lot of history up the middle fork as well. Plus as you know you’ll get to soak in a lot of hot springs after a long day. Have a great trip.
as a true New Mexican you share the love for the licence plate wirh a Star on it... love it ;) you made my Day. And thank you a lot for that humerous, intelligent and informative trail ride.
I agree the cliff dwellings are a must see in the state I’ve been going to that area for a decade, and hunting it the past 4 years. This is my favorite video on the area. I appreciate this a lot
This has been an excellent and very informative video. I for one sure appreciate this. The Gila seems to have been mostly forgotten and there’s so many lost stories and history that otherwise would be lost forever if it’s not for sharing of information like this. Thank you again.
Thank you. There are so many interesting stories and history that you really have to dig to find information on. I hope they are never completely forgotten but a lot of them aren’t even written down.
Interesting video. Some history of each of the areas he went through. Glad the fires left lots of trees left standing, probably because it burns so much it keeps the fuel lower. The Gila is a big area. Thanks for sharing.
It's really hard for people from the East Coast to rap their head around how much public land we have out here. And the history of the people that lived here. What an amazing treasure we have. I landed here a little late in life. But I feel I went back 100 years in time when I bump around in and around the gila's. Best move I've ever made.
Really good video with a lot of great information. I’ve spent sometime in the Gila myself mostly over by and on the middle fork ..we use to camp when I was a kid over by scorpion or they call now TJ corral ..early 70’s ..sometimes we would pack in up by North Mesa … thank you this very good !
Thanks. The best part is it probably hasn’t changed much from when you were going in there other than some fires. I enjoy your videos as well. Keep them coming.
I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco, I left it in Grant County, NM! I enjoyed your stories and the beautiful Gila Wilderness. By the way my riding mule and pack mule swam the middle creek crossings to Trotter Cabin in 1999 where we packed in to scatter my dad's ashes. He guided hunters for Doc Campbell a few times.
Thank you this was awesome! I grew up in Glenwood. I know your Dad. He’s one of the best men I know! He was my nurse during a devastating ordeal. He gave me strength I needed. Anyway looking forward to more wilderness videos
@@sibylmartinez6362 I’ve picked up bits and pieces from a number of different books but for that area the best one I’ve read is Mogollon mountain men: Nat Straw. High lonesome books publishes or republishes some good local books.
On my second gila wilderness video from your channel. Love this stuff. Much respect. Thanks for the time and effort in doing these videos. Information like this from locals is priceless. I could watch this all day everyday
I laughed pretty good at your roast of the bike tour of the gila haha. I just stay out when that’s going on. Such a circus to try and drive through when they’re doing that
Thank you for sharing over here in California trying to stay out of the heat and watched your trip it was a lot of fun brought back some great memories live on a ranch out here inspired me to take out some of my horses and explore some of the local gold mines Acton California have a blessed day and thanks again
Nice trip and video TY. McKenna Park starts at 45:00 I am especially interested in the appearance of areas of the Gila like McKenna Park, as well as adjacent mixed conifer forest, which have had high fire frequencies in recent decades. Looks very nice out there.
Ty I wish my father was still alive,he could of answered your questions about the cabin. He spent a lot of time up in the Gila back in 60's and 70's and knew a lot of the old timers up that way.
Pretty sweet video man. I was there on the Johnson fire. They flew us in from willow creek. There @38:20 when you said “what is that”. That was the horseshoe set I made to kill some time in the evening with the crew. That was an awesome trip. Beautiful country. I’ll be back soon with my mules.
@@Makingitwild yes sir tape 3 little sticks together and you have a horse shoes. We threw them quite a bit. Yes fighting fire this year. It’s been a long season so far that for sure.
Mules can and do swim quite well. I've swam mine several times across the salmon River in Idaho. I enjoyed your show l have hunted the gila wilderness 6 time's beautiful country.
That’s good to know. I’ve heard from a few people that they couldn’t and it never made sense to me but once I had to deal with two mules that drowned on the trail and I was involved in exposing of them. I wasn’t there when they drowned so I’m not sure the whole story. I’m glad to hear someone has swam them across big water.
Will be heading to Salmon early spring. Finishing a winter visit to Florida after my husbands sudden death. He was from Pocatello area. We were looking forward to packing and riding into the cast wilderness areas near and birth of Salmon
Hi Ty Enjoying your tour style mixed with old hunters history that I like. Im Canadian but lived 91-3 in Magdalena,Socorro where I worked as chiropractor there.Loved to travel out this way but not quite as far as the Gila only in the hills opposite near the plains of?with all the big satelite dishes out there. Miss being back there.Bob Funk age 73 too old to do what you are. What book tells best of Ben Lilly s early homelife before going into Louisiana?&then the rest of his going alone hunting? Keep up your great tours,&God bless u.
@@Makingitwild for sure. I have a homestead down there And the Gila is over the back fence. So anxious to get down there. If you're on Instagram, come find me. I'd like to pack in there horseback in the future
Very nice video, Sir, well done! I liked your off-hand comments about 'the elephant in the room' in particular... because here in the 21st century the US Forest Service really needs to re-evaluate priorities. You cannot have a Wilderness Area, and feel that the only way to protect it is to keep it practically inaccessible to the public. My wife and I hauled our horses to the southwest side of the Gila in October of 2020. Trails in horrible condition, and access roads that were supposed to be open were essentially impassable even with 4WD. Even campground/picnic/parking areas in Box Canyon itself were overgrown with tall weeds and little evidence of any kind of maintenance. Granted... this was at the end of Covid times, but the Forest Service was still " mailing it in anyway " as so many folks there continually told me. What I hope for is, that in the future, the Government and all of its agencies will finally make it possible for more volunteers, civic groups, and outdoor advocates to be able to organize themselves and take on the enormous work that needs to be done to manage areas like the Gila. I know that in parts of Colorado many of the BackCountry Horsemens groups have finally been able to gain access for trail maintenance without having to deal with the overbearing micromanagement of the Forest Service. I am 72, former horseback riding guide, with many years of experience in the Sierra of Mexico ( not NM ). I live in Arizona now, still have horses, still quite active... and am a member of a local Horsemen's Group, whose main purpose is to advocate for public lands to remain open for horseback riding. It is a challenge, as you may certainly understand. They want to keep closing more and more areas every year. Thanks again for the nice presentation and video. I will make this West Fork ride one of these years.
It’s sad the condition of things. I haven’t been to box canyon in years but the road has always been bad. I really hope they get the right person in at the forest service and I think things can turn around. It’s crazy to me that volunteers need to get permission to clear and maintain trails.
@@Makingitwild Yes Sir, the Forest Service in particular seems to have lost its way, and abandoned its mission. Very sad. The old time career rangers and other employees are being phased out in favor of younger college-graduate bureaucrats who have zero hands-on experience. Here in Arizona a top Supervisory position was given to a man who was a graduate of a University back east... with absolutely no experience in the desert, would not know a Saguaro cactus if he saw one, and all of his knowledge of rattlesnakes comes strictly from textbooks. These important jobs need to be filled from the ranks of experienced and devoted rangers who may not have the impressive academic credentials... but know "the lay of the land", and understand true stewardship. As for trail maintenance and the like... I operate rogue, like you seem to do...don't call attention to myself... and generally keep a low profile. I will go out with a small handsaw, some clippers, and a bit of rope... and keep things cleared when the need arises. There is a need to pass on these good trail habits to the younger generation who seem to take almost everything for granted these days. Thanks for listening.
@@jacksonsundown7545 I agree with everything you said. I wish things would change but unfortunately I don’t see that happening anytime soon, at least where I go.
@@Makingitwild Enjoy your time on the trail, Ty... Set a good example in your own way. Sometimes we have to accept certain things that we cannot directly change... while remaining true to our core values.
Amen, it is the same all over. We have been going to the GTNP in Wyoming since '68 and it is pitiful how it has shut down as much as they can get away with. Visitors are viewed as vermin to get rid of.
Fantastic stuff! I've spent a little time along the northern boundary of the Gila Wilderness and have dreamed of exploring a lot more by foot (since I don't have horses). I grew up in Cruces and spent most of my youth camping in the Sacramentos. Didn't make it to the Gila much. I'm still in NM, in Tijeras, on what was originally an early 1900's homestead, and I try to hunt the Gila whenever I can. I definitely need to spend more time down there and around Silver City.
Thanks. Airplane mesa usually has a good trail to get in there. I’m hoping to get some more videos like this one out soon but it seems like when I’m in Gila I’m trying to get something done and need to just make the time to film stuff.
Very interesting ride, stories and seeing the damage by fire and heavy rain. I was under the impression the Gila has been heavily hunted, visited ? Thank you, I enjoyed it. 😊
We loved this video. Thank you for sharing. My husband is from Reserve. Still has family who live up past Apache Creek. He's now living here on our ranch in Washington state. It was so nice to see the beautiful Gila wilderness, he misses it.
TY, can't be sure. but I suspect the roll of wire u thought was telegragh wire was probably telephone. Before the fire towers were connectef by radios they used telephones ( I lknow.. counter intuitive ??) . Just nailed the old glass insulators up in trees... found a couple of them a few yrs. ago on an old down tree. I was the wilderness patrolman in the Blk. Range in 1978. One of my chores was to pack the rolls of (galvanized) wire out of the Blk. Range. Fire crews had pulled the wire down & rolled it, so fortunately all I had to do was pack it out. The Diamond Peak lookout had been torn down the yr. before I think, so the wires connected Diamond to Reeds Pk. & on from there..... Enjoyed the video & having u as a guide .
Yes…my grandfather used some of that wire for our fences in the Sapillo Creek area…we removed it from our property. Much later I also removed wire for a Forest Service project in the early 80’s from the Visitor Center past Woody Corral up and into the main room in the Cliff Dwellings…if you have a good eye, you can see where we cut the wire by the stairs that go into the main dwellings. That wire was stacked at the Visitor Center and recycled/reused (?) by the Forest Service. In was quite a load of wire when we were done. The line continued on up to White Creek and then onto the Mogollon look out back in the day.…kept that area connected with Mimbres.
Hey Ty, awesome video. I believe I met you over by white rocks one year on an elk hunt. That big mule deer dead head thats hanging in the front of the white creek cabin I actually found that in the falls. I'm guessing he got down in there and never made it out.
Really cool, been to several places in the Gila but never up the West fork {or Sapillo creek} thanks for recording as I probably won't ever get out there again. Satisfied my curiosity! Thanks
Thanks.I video these because there are a lot of people that are either too far away or not in the physical shape to be able to make it but could still enjoy some of what the area has to offer.
My father had a uncle named Jasper Hudson that was a hunter for the cattlemen association in New Mexico and Arizona, he supposedly had the last grizzly bear killed in az 1927
@@Makingitwild been trying to research info on him, did find out that he is buried at the Carlsbad cemetery, under Jasper Thomas Hudson, September 21 1893 birth and December 9th 1967
My first time at White Creek was in 1974 and the cabin used to be unlocked and available to use. Sad to see it in such state of disrepair these days. I wish the USFS would take better care of it.
I am curious ...I lived in Silver in the 1990's and hiked often in the Mogollon Mts. I was saddened and shocked by that big fire in 2012 and wondered how much was destroyed? I used to go to Willow Creek Campground and enjoyed the "Crest" trail...Hummingbird Saddle was a favorite place....I did see "after fire" photos of Hummingbird Saddle ..it seemed severely damaged by the fire....wondering what shape those Mountains are in now?
@@stephenvinson6474 it doesn’t look the same as it did in the 90s. A lot of the trails in that are full of downfall so I haven’t been in that area but from what I’ve heard they cleared the crest trail so it should be accessible.
Do you always ride alone? Why the 2 pack animals? look like a good camp setup, every thing one need you have along! I enjoyed the talk too. I like history also and it make it more interesting! How long did it talk to ride it?
I don’t always go alone but it makes things a lot simpler by myself. I don’t have a good reason why I usually take 2 pack animals but when it comes to speed and taking care of livestock there isn’t much difference between leading one or two. When you have 3 or more it takes more effort. I like that if something goes wrong with a horse I still have enough animals to ride and get all my gear out. It’s also good to work as many animals at a time as I can. I did this trip in my three easier days but you could do it in two if you wanted.
There were grizzlies in the Gila back then. I’ve been in quite a few national forests over the years. The Gila wilderness is the healthiest forest I’ve seen so far.
The last official grizzly was killed in 1931 if I remember correctly. There are some accounts of people killing them a couple years after that but they were never verified. I might be a couple years off but we had them later than most people realize.
@@Elkslaya1 I haven’t but I’m hoping to get to it this spring or summer. I know where some caves and camps he would use are and I think people would enjoy seeing them.
@@Makingitwild oh most definitely. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Gila Wilderness off and on the last 11 years. However only what I can walk into. Never been back in on horseback or mule. But just being in 7 miles from the truck has revealed lots of secrets hidden in the Gila. I’ve got to see a lot, and I mean a lot while scouting and bowhunting elk. Including being stalked by a predatory bear and was within a split second of seriously having to defend my life. The Gila is serious wilderness and not a place for the unprepared.
Great vidio , great commentary. So do you think that battery powered chain saws would be legal ? They are small and lire and cut pretty good for clearing and obsticale out of the way
Even electric chainsaws are illegal in there. It has been done but I’ve never heard of anyone getting caught so I don’t know what the legal ramifications would be.
The people at the museum said they were not sure why they built the dwellings in the cliffs. One theory was they built them to stay away from the bears. With all the bear warriors down there, I wonder if that was true.
TY, this was a good video. Setting up a ride in the country where the Apache Kid was killed would be interesting. Northeast of Gila Cliffs. Drive up I- 25 or go in by Winston. Would have to do some research on how to ride it.
mr lee that was an amazing adventure I wish I were along, do you pack in and out for money? I see some places I would like to see for my self, great video keep doin what you do lee it’s great. god bless
I work for outfitters from time to time but I don’t do pack trip for people other than through someone else. There are a couple really good outfitters that can take you anywhere you want to go. Its well worth the money.
Thank you for that tour! I agree with your analysis of the trail system. You can see the decay and decline in all of our National Forests, Parks, BLM etc.. Unfortunatly, it echos the general decline of our nation in recent decades.
in the early seventies i ended up at the cliff dwelling and hiked up the gila river. needing a drink i noticed a seep of water comming off a rock face along the river. when i got to the seep their was a rock lined bath tub full of hot water hidden behind some bushes. i have often wondered if this is a well know spot.
@@thomaslawson4253 there are a few hot springs on the middle fork not far from the cliff dwellings. It sounds like you might be describing Jordan hot springs. It’s a popular destination place for backpackers. It’s probably more developed now from when you saw it.
I had always heard they can’t and even saw some that had drowned once but after talking to some people that know more than me I found that they can swim but have a tendency of giving up real easy. I’m still going to avoid swimming mules.
Regarding relentless vendettas in the Old West, I recommend the Gregory Peck movie The Bravados, about a man who travels hundreds of miles to get his revenge. In lawless areas past the frontier, the administration of justice (or simple vengeance) became a personal matter. If a man shirked from exacting retribution he would lose everything: self-respect, status, even support. The more dastardly the crime the more leeway in the administration of retribution. If a man kills your wife, it's OK to shoot him in the back if you get the drop on him--- as long as you get the job done. There would be no loss of status.
Love this ride, your story-telling, and your history lessons! So great to have found this video But could do without the music interludes, TBH. It just kind of disrupts your guided tour. :)
What state has black and white plates? Here in Georgia (born and raised in Az) we are seeing way too many people move in! I'm sure you are too. And... they don't know how to act
I’ve heard that the trail from turkey feather pass to the west fork isn’t passable. Someone told me last fall that there is a trail an outfitter put in that stays up on the ridge so you can get around but it’s rough. I hope that helps. Have fun on your trip.
I sure enjoyed your video and commentary! You have a sense of humor! Here is another video of packing horses into the Gila: th-cam.com/video/3IVY5r91Xzg/w-d-xo.html
Amounted rider needs to be careful when in a burn area that the horses/mules don't step into a burnt-out stump hole and break a leg in a hole you can't see filled with ash!
I’m a backpacker from west texas, your trail videos on the gila is some of the best information out there. The southwest is so rich with history I can really appreciate your history lessons
Thank you. I hope you get to spend some time going to these places in the Gila. There isn’t anything quite like it.
I moved from the East Coast. And end up having the gila's in my back yard. The gila's are an amazing place to spend time. The one thing I noticed is that spending time there. The night sky's and no aircraft traffic. Lots of solitude. And you don't run into a lot of people .
Just came across this video, and have enjoyed it very much. I grew up in Silver City and have been over much of the Gila Wilderness. My uncle Hal Mortensen was a forest ranger and actually lived at the White Creek cabin in the 50's. The trail in from Willow Creek was wide and well maintained, and they pulled a "narrow guage" wagon with auto tires to carry supplies. My first encounter with the cabin was in 1966 when I accompanied several friends who worked for the forest service and we stayed in the cabin while fishing the local creeks. All the barns and corrals were in place at that time. Later, as an adult, I brought several groups of scouts to the area and camped nearby. (we were not the ones who destroyed the barn!) Again, thanks for the cool video.
It’s amazing how well everything was maintained back then. I wish I could see that cabin when it was being used regularly and the trails were better. I didn’t realize they were bringing wagons over from willow creek. Last time I checked the trail down turkey feather pass wasn’t even passable by a mule string much less a wagon.
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Thank you so much, great job!
Ty,
Great video. I'm a native New Mexican. Live in Las Cruces. My grandfather worked with the CCC's and lived at Thunderbird Camp. I remember my grandfather talking about cutting some of those trails. My son and I are planing a backpacking hike up the middle fork and back down the west fork. I've been watching a lot of videos of backpacking and came acros your video. It was awesome. I'm looking forward to seeing the places you were talking about
I’m sure your grandfather had some amazing stories from his time in the CCCs. I always wonder if they realized at the time how long their projects would last. You’ll have a great trip. There is a lot of history up the middle fork as well. Plus as you know you’ll get to soak in a lot of hot springs after a long day. Have a great trip.
as a true New Mexican you share the love for the licence plate wirh a Star on it... love it ;) you made my Day. And thank you a lot for that humerous, intelligent and informative trail ride.
I agree the cliff dwellings are a must see in the state
I’ve been going to that area for a decade, and hunting it the past 4 years. This is my favorite video on the area. I appreciate this a lot
Good luck if you have a tag this year. Should be good.
This has been an excellent and very informative video. I for one sure appreciate this. The Gila seems to have been mostly forgotten and there’s so many lost stories and history that otherwise would be lost forever if it’s not for sharing of information like this. Thank you again.
Thank you. There are so many interesting stories and history that you really have to dig to find information on. I hope they are never completely forgotten but a lot of them aren’t even written down.
Interesting video. Some history of each of the areas he went through. Glad the fires left lots of trees left standing, probably because it burns so much it keeps the fuel lower. The Gila is a big area. Thanks for sharing.
I lived in reserve .my family has been there for 100 years . Gila forest is my favorite place to be.
It's really hard for people from the East Coast to rap their head around how much public land we have out here. And the history of the people that lived here. What an amazing treasure we have. I landed here a little late in life. But I feel I went back 100 years in time when I bump around in and around the gila's. Best move I've ever made.
@@unclebilly1353 it’s nice to be able to travel for days without stepping off of public ground.
Really good video with a lot of great information. I’ve spent sometime in the Gila myself mostly over by and on the middle fork ..we use to camp when I was a kid over by scorpion or they call now TJ corral ..early 70’s ..sometimes we would pack in up by North Mesa … thank you this very good !
Thanks. The best part is it probably hasn’t changed much from when you were going in there other than some fires. I enjoy your videos as well. Keep them coming.
I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco, I left it in Grant County, NM! I enjoyed your stories and the beautiful Gila Wilderness. By the way my riding mule and pack mule swam the middle creek crossings to Trotter Cabin in 1999 where we packed in to scatter my dad's ashes. He guided hunters for Doc Campbell a few times.
Thanks. That’s a good place for your dad to be.
Loved the video! Your back stories were great. I’d love to see more vIdeos
Thanks. I spend a lot of time riding by myself. Hopefully I can get more videos out for people to see some country.
Good video. Appreciate the back stories on these areas.
Thanks. There is a lot of history in that area.
Thank you this was awesome! I grew up in Glenwood. I know your Dad. He’s one of the best men I know! He was my nurse during a devastating ordeal. He gave me strength I needed. Anyway looking forward to more wilderness videos
Thanks. I need to start filming more so I can share it.
What are some of the books you’ve read with these cool stories? I’m interested in reading some
@@sibylmartinez6362 I’ve picked up bits and pieces from a number of different books but for that area the best one I’ve read is Mogollon mountain men: Nat Straw. High lonesome books publishes or republishes some good local books.
On my second gila wilderness video from your channel. Love this stuff. Much respect. Thanks for the time and effort in doing these videos. Information like this from locals is priceless. I could watch this all day everyday
Thank you. I’m hoping to find the time to make some more of these videos in the near future.
I laughed pretty good at your roast of the bike tour of the gila haha. I just stay out when that’s going on. Such a circus to try and drive through when they’re doing that
I’m surprised they don’t get hit more often. I try to avoid being on the loop the best I can that time of year.
I really enjoyed your trip in the Gila Wilderness. Excellent stories about the history of the area!👍
Thank you
I'm heading down there from the Phoenix area Tuesday April 16th. Thanks for the tour
That’s great. It’s a good time of year to go. I hope you have a good time.
Thank you for sharing over here in California trying to stay out of the heat and watched your trip it was a lot of fun brought back some great memories live on a ranch out here inspired me to take out some of my horses and explore some of the local gold mines Acton California have a blessed day and thanks again
Thanks. It’s hard to get out while it’s so hot but always worth it when you do. I bet those are some interesting mines there.
Nice trip and video TY. McKenna Park starts at 45:00 I am especially interested in the appearance of areas of the Gila like McKenna Park, as well as adjacent mixed conifer forest, which have had high fire frequencies in recent decades. Looks very nice out there.
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Ty I wish my father was still alive,he could of answered your questions about the cabin. He spent a lot of time up in the Gila back in 60's and 70's and knew a lot of the old timers up that way.
It’s too bad that a lot of those guys aren’t around anymore that have stories and experiences that will be forgotten.
Pretty sweet video man. I was there on the Johnson fire. They flew us in from willow creek. There @38:20 when you said “what is that”. That was the horseshoe set I made to kill some time in the evening with the crew. That was an awesome trip. Beautiful country. I’ll be back soon with my mules.
That was a creative horseshoe set. I would of never guessed that’s what it was. Are you fighting fires this year?
@@Makingitwild yes sir tape 3 little sticks together and you have a horse shoes. We threw them quite a bit.
Yes fighting fire this year. It’s been a long season so far that for sure.
Great video! Watched the whole thing. Would love to make that circle one day
Thanks. It’s a long on so thanks for sticking with it. It’s a good loop to see a lot of country.
Mules can and do swim quite well. I've swam mine several times across the salmon River in Idaho. I enjoyed your show l have hunted the gila wilderness 6 time's beautiful country.
That’s good to know. I’ve heard from a few people that they couldn’t and it never made sense to me but once I had to deal with two mules that drowned on the trail and I was involved in exposing of them. I wasn’t there when they drowned so I’m not sure the whole story. I’m glad to hear someone has swam them across big water.
Are you still in the Salmon area? I'm new here.
Are you from the Salmon area? I'm new here
@@cynthiacellan5783 I live in Pocatello, but I spend a lot of time in salmon. Do you live in salmon or out of town?
Will be heading to Salmon early spring. Finishing a winter visit to Florida after my husbands sudden death. He was from Pocatello area. We were looking forward to packing and riding into the cast wilderness areas near and birth of Salmon
Hi Ty
Enjoying your tour style mixed with old hunters history that I like.
Im Canadian but lived 91-3 in Magdalena,Socorro where I worked as chiropractor there.Loved to travel out this way but not quite as far as the Gila only in the hills opposite near the plains of?with all the big satelite dishes out there.
Miss being back there.Bob Funk age 73 too old to do what you are.
What book tells best of Ben Lilly s early homelife before going into Louisiana?&then the rest of his going alone hunting?
Keep up your great tours,&God bless u.
Ben Lilly Legend by Frank Dobie talks about his early life.
Bob that's called the very large array between Socorro and Quemado
Great video 👍🏻
Anxious to get back down there. Grew up in Silver City and hiked those trails and fished alot growing up.
I'll be back for good soon
I moved a few hours away but still can’t keep from making trips down there often. There is nowhere like the Gila.
@@Makingitwild for sure. I have a homestead down there And the Gila is over the back fence. So anxious to get down there. If you're on Instagram, come find me. I'd like to pack in there horseback in the future
very interesting great history
Very nice video, Sir, well done! I liked your off-hand comments about 'the elephant in the room' in particular... because here in the 21st century the US Forest Service really needs to re-evaluate priorities. You cannot have a Wilderness Area, and feel that the only way to protect it is to keep it practically inaccessible to the public. My wife and I hauled our horses to the southwest side of the Gila in October of 2020. Trails in horrible condition, and access roads that were supposed to be open were essentially impassable even with 4WD. Even campground/picnic/parking areas in Box Canyon itself were overgrown with tall weeds and little evidence of any kind of maintenance. Granted... this was at the end of Covid times, but the Forest Service was still " mailing it in anyway " as so many folks there continually told me.
What I hope for is, that in the future, the Government and all of its agencies will finally make it possible for more volunteers, civic groups, and outdoor advocates to be able to organize themselves and take on the enormous work that needs to be done to manage areas like the Gila. I know that in parts of Colorado many of the BackCountry Horsemens groups have finally been able to gain access for trail maintenance without having to deal with the overbearing micromanagement of the Forest Service.
I am 72, former horseback riding guide, with many years of experience in the Sierra of Mexico ( not NM ). I live in Arizona now, still have horses, still quite active... and am a member of a local Horsemen's Group, whose main purpose is to advocate for public lands to remain open for horseback riding. It is a challenge, as you may certainly understand. They want to keep closing more and more areas every year.
Thanks again for the nice presentation and video. I will make this West Fork ride one of these years.
It’s sad the condition of things. I haven’t been to box canyon in years but the road has always been bad. I really hope they get the right person in at the forest service and I think things can turn around. It’s crazy to me that volunteers need to get permission to clear and maintain trails.
@@Makingitwild Yes Sir, the Forest Service in particular seems to have lost its way, and abandoned its mission. Very sad. The old time career rangers and other employees are being phased out in favor of younger college-graduate bureaucrats who have zero hands-on experience. Here in Arizona a top Supervisory position was given to a man who was a graduate of a University back east... with absolutely no experience in the desert, would not know a Saguaro cactus if he saw one, and all of his knowledge of rattlesnakes comes strictly from textbooks.
These important jobs need to be filled from the ranks of experienced and devoted rangers who may not have the impressive academic credentials... but know "the lay of the land", and understand true stewardship.
As for trail maintenance and the like... I operate rogue, like you seem to do...don't call attention to myself... and generally keep a low profile. I will go out with a small handsaw, some clippers, and a bit of rope... and keep things cleared when the need arises.
There is a need to pass on these good trail habits to the younger generation who seem to take almost everything for granted these days.
Thanks for listening.
@@jacksonsundown7545 I agree with everything you said. I wish things would change but unfortunately I don’t see that happening anytime soon, at least where I go.
@@Makingitwild Enjoy your time on the trail, Ty... Set a good example in your own way. Sometimes we have to accept certain things that we cannot directly change... while remaining true to our core values.
Amen, it is the same all over. We have been going to the GTNP in Wyoming since '68 and it is pitiful how it has shut down as much as they can get away with. Visitors are viewed as vermin to get rid of.
Fantastic stuff! I've spent a little time along the northern boundary of the Gila Wilderness and have dreamed of exploring a lot more by foot (since I don't have horses). I grew up in Cruces and spent most of my youth camping in the Sacramentos. Didn't make it to the Gila much. I'm still in NM, in Tijeras, on what was originally an early 1900's homestead, and I try to hunt the Gila whenever I can. I definitely need to spend more time down there and around Silver City.
Great stuff Ty!!! Wife and I ride the middle fork via airplane mesa. Love it. Total sanity when we are back in there. Keep the vids coming.
Thanks. Airplane mesa usually has a good trail to get in there. I’m hoping to get some more videos like this one out soon but it seems like when I’m in Gila I’m trying to get something done and need to just make the time to film stuff.
Very interesting ride, stories and seeing the damage by fire and heavy rain. I was under the impression the Gila has been heavily hunted, visited ? Thank you, I enjoyed it. 😊
We loved this video. Thank you for sharing.
My husband is from Reserve. Still has family who live up past Apache Creek. He's now living here on our ranch in Washington state.
It was so nice to see the beautiful Gila wilderness, he misses it.
There is no place like the Gila. I understand why he misses it. Every time I try to leave it I come back.
I grew up in reserve I might now your husband . I miss it also but haven't been back there for 7 years now.
Great day for a horse ride, I wish I was there too. It's nice to know the history of a place. Cheers from Australia
There is a lot of history in this area. One of these years I would love to go check out the bush in Australia.
TY, can't be sure. but I suspect the roll of wire u thought was telegragh wire was probably telephone. Before the fire towers were connectef by radios they used telephones ( I lknow.. counter intuitive ??) . Just nailed the old glass insulators up in trees... found a couple of them a few yrs. ago on an old down tree. I was the wilderness patrolman in the Blk. Range in 1978. One of my chores was to pack the rolls of (galvanized) wire out of the Blk. Range. Fire crews had pulled the wire down & rolled it, so fortunately all I had to do was pack it out. The Diamond Peak lookout had been torn down the yr. before I think, so the wires connected Diamond to Reeds Pk. & on from there.....
Enjoyed the video & having u as a guide .
That makes sense. I bet that was a great experience working there in the 70s.
@@Makingitwild it definitely was ! I have stories ... lol
Yes…my grandfather used some of that wire for our fences in the Sapillo Creek area…we removed it from our property. Much later I also removed wire for a Forest Service project in the early 80’s from the Visitor Center past Woody Corral up and into the main room in the Cliff Dwellings…if you have a good eye, you can see where we cut the wire by the stairs that go into the main dwellings. That wire was stacked at the Visitor Center and recycled/reused (?) by the Forest Service. In was quite a load of wire when we were done. The line continued on up to White Creek and then onto the Mogollon look out back in the day.…kept that area connected with Mimbres.
Black white license plates here enjoying your videos cheers love the Gila
Thanks. I’m glad you get my humor about where people are from. When I go to Colorado the locals all complain about the NM plates
Hey Ty, awesome video. I believe I met you over by white rocks one year on an elk hunt. That big mule deer dead head thats hanging in the front of the white creek cabin I actually found that in the falls. I'm guessing he got down in there and never made it out.
That was probably me if you were around white rocks. That was a crazy ride for that deer before he died if he was in the falls.
@@Makingitwild yes sir I wonder what caused him to go down there. His carcass and all was at the bottom. Plenty of easier spots for a drink of water
Really cool, been to several places in the Gila but never up the West fork {or Sapillo creek} thanks for recording as I probably won't ever get out there again. Satisfied my curiosity! Thanks
Thanks.I video these because there are a lot of people that are either too far away or not in the physical shape to be able to make it but could still enjoy some of what the area has to offer.
Awesome video man!! Thanks
Thank you
My father had a uncle named Jasper Hudson that was a hunter for the cattlemen association in New Mexico and Arizona, he supposedly had the last grizzly bear killed in az 1927
At Blue
That really interesting. It’s always better when you have a family connection. Do you know where to find information on him?
@@Makingitwild been trying to research info on him, did find out that he is buried at the Carlsbad cemetery, under Jasper Thomas Hudson, September 21 1893 birth and December 9th 1967
I was raised in Silver City and really enjoyed your adventure re=living some of my past
Thanks. Hopefully it brings back good memories.
My first time at White Creek was in 1974 and the cabin used to be unlocked and available to use. Sad to see it in such state of disrepair these days. I wish the USFS would take better care of it.
Sweet vid
I wish we had more trails here in Kentucky
thank you
Hello from Tasmania, interesting video.
Thanks. It probably a little different here.
That was interesting. 👍👊
I am curious ...I lived in Silver in the 1990's and hiked often in the Mogollon Mts. I was saddened and shocked by that big fire in 2012 and wondered how much was destroyed? I used to go to Willow Creek Campground and enjoyed the "Crest" trail...Hummingbird Saddle was a favorite place....I did see "after fire" photos of Hummingbird Saddle ..it seemed severely damaged by the fire....wondering what shape those Mountains are in now?
@@stephenvinson6474 it doesn’t look the same as it did in the 90s. A lot of the trails in that are full of downfall so I haven’t been in that area but from what I’ve heard they cleared the crest trail so it should be accessible.
Just outstanding
Thank you
Do you always ride alone? Why the 2 pack animals? look like a good camp setup, every thing one need you have along! I enjoyed the talk too. I like history also and it make it more interesting! How long did it talk to ride it?
I don’t always go alone but it makes things a lot simpler by myself. I don’t have a good reason why I usually take 2 pack animals but when it comes to speed and taking care of livestock there isn’t much difference between leading one or two. When you have 3 or more it takes more effort. I like that if something goes wrong with a horse I still have enough animals to ride and get all my gear out. It’s also good to work as many animals at a time as I can. I did this trip in my three easier days but you could do it in two if you wanted.
There were grizzlies in the Gila back then. I’ve been in quite a few national forests over the years. The Gila wilderness is the healthiest forest I’ve seen so far.
The last official grizzly was killed in 1931 if I remember correctly. There are some accounts of people killing them a couple years after that but they were never verified. I might be a couple years off but we had them later than most people realize.
@@Makingitwild have you done any videos or stories on Ben Lilly?
@@Elkslaya1 I haven’t but I’m hoping to get to it this spring or summer. I know where some caves and camps he would use are and I think people would enjoy seeing them.
@@Makingitwild oh most definitely. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Gila Wilderness off and on the last 11 years. However only what I can walk into. Never been back in on horseback or mule. But just being in 7 miles from the truck has revealed lots of secrets hidden in the Gila. I’ve got to see a lot, and I mean a lot while scouting and bowhunting elk. Including being stalked by a predatory bear and was within a split second of seriously having to defend my life. The Gila is serious wilderness and not a place for the unprepared.
@@trophyhilll The Gila is pretty wild still. Bears can be a problem. I’ve never felt threatened for my life but I’ve had them tear up camps.
Great vidio , great commentary. So do you think that battery powered chain saws would be legal ? They are small and lire and cut pretty good for clearing and obsticale out of the way
Even electric chainsaws are illegal in there. It has been done but I’ve never heard of anyone getting caught so I don’t know what the legal ramifications would be.
Folding bow saw might be handy.
The people at the museum said they were not sure why they built the dwellings in the cliffs.
One theory was they built them to stay away from the bears.
With all the bear warriors down there, I wonder if that was true.
I’ve heard a few theories but no one really knows. The one that makes most sense to me is that it was easier to protect themselves from other people.
TY, this was a good video. Setting up a ride in the country where the Apache Kid was killed would be interesting. Northeast of Gila Cliffs. Drive up I- 25 or go in by Winston. Would have to do some research on how to ride it.
That sounds interesting. I’ll look into it. Thanks
Super cool video
Thanks
mr lee that was an amazing adventure I wish I were along, do you pack in and out for money? I see some places I would like to see for my self, great video keep doin what you do lee it’s great. god bless
I work for outfitters from time to time but I don’t do pack trip for people other than through someone else. There are a couple really good outfitters that can take you anywhere you want to go. Its well worth the money.
I saw reeds growing that reminded me of bambu. Must be a freshwater stream.
Thank you for that tour! I agree with your analysis of the trail system. You can see the decay and decline in all of our National Forests, Parks, BLM etc.. Unfortunatly, it echos the general decline of our nation in recent decades.
Yes it does and it’s sad that that’s how it is being left for future generations.
Here I thought this was in AZ....lots of green grazing grass there, it needs cattle on there to make it grow even more.
It definitely needs some cattle in there.
in the early seventies i ended up at the cliff dwelling and hiked up the gila river. needing a drink i noticed a seep of water comming off a rock face along the river. when i got to the seep their was a rock lined bath tub full of hot water hidden behind some bushes. i have often wondered if this is a well know spot.
@@thomaslawson4253 there are a few hot springs on the middle fork not far from the cliff dwellings. It sounds like you might be describing Jordan hot springs. It’s a popular destination place for backpackers. It’s probably more developed now from when you saw it.
@@Makingitwild what i found was mid way up a rock face and about the size of a large bath tub hidden by bush growth
This just popped up glad to watch and your first I ever heard say mules can't swim
I had always heard they can’t and even saw some that had drowned once but after talking to some people that know more than me I found that they can swim but have a tendency of giving up real easy. I’m still going to avoid swimming mules.
Great Video....what month was this?
That was the middle of July
A super cub driver would land and take off 5 or 6 times in the length of that strip 😊
The grass is clumpy and there are some big ruts but good tundra tires would probably take care of that.
floppy ears are cool but hard headed========== like my whife =oops
NO, mules are neither stuborn nor hard headed However they ARE way more intelligent than the average 😉 man (human)!! Just stating facts!
Regarding relentless vendettas in the Old West, I recommend the Gregory Peck movie The Bravados, about a man who travels hundreds of miles to get his revenge. In lawless areas past the frontier, the administration of justice (or simple vengeance) became a personal matter. If a man shirked from exacting retribution he would lose everything: self-respect, status, even support. The more dastardly the crime the more leeway in the administration of retribution. If a man kills your wife, it's OK to shoot him in the back if you get the drop on him--- as long as you get the job done. There would be no loss of status.
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
First time watching your Channel is this Hela is his in Arizona or New Mexico
Butting in here to help! "Gila" said "Hila", like the Gila Monster. And he is north of Silver
City, NM. Gila eventually goes west to Arizona.
Love this ride, your story-telling, and your history lessons! So great to have found this video But could do without the music interludes, TBH. It just kind of disrupts your guided tour. :)
Thanks. I agree the music was a bit much. Noted
What state has black and white plates? Here in Georgia (born and raised in Az) we are seeing way too many people move in! I'm sure you are too. And... they don't know how to act
We get a lot of people from Texas because they don’t have very much public land
Planning on taking my wife in to white creek for the 4th. Do you know if it’s passable horse back coming in from willow creek on the west fork trail?
I’ve heard that the trail from turkey feather pass to the west fork isn’t passable. Someone told me last fall that there is a trail an outfitter put in that stays up on the ridge so you can get around but it’s rough. I hope that helps. Have fun on your trip.
@@Makingitwild thanks bud. Maybe I’ll check that one out one day with the hounds. Better play it safe with the wife coming along 😂 gila center it is.
@@VicksPeak that’s probably your best bet. There’s a chance someone opened it up but I would check first.
What state is this in????
New Mexico
New Mexico
I sure enjoyed your video and commentary! You have a sense of humor! Here is another video of packing horses into the Gila: th-cam.com/video/3IVY5r91Xzg/w-d-xo.html
@@DavidJamesBaker that’s a good video. Thanks for sharing.
Iwas at the Sappio and gils in1653.shuer has chanfed
Hello I love you video, do you know someone you ride in the rocky mountain who know the mountain men who do video like you?
I don’t know of anyone doing that. Sorry
very enjoyable content, one of them small electric chainsaws would have been helpful
@@paulh9727 a chainsaw would be very helpful but they aren’t allowed in the Wilderness.
@@Makingitwild caught that a bit later after I had already posted. Lots of restrictions.
It's really a problem of little money allocated for trail maintenance all over the USFS. It's not for lack of desire!
Its called a switch back.
Chainsaws are not allowed in wilderness areas.
That is why you carry a saw.
Amounted rider needs to be careful when in a burn area that the horses/mules don't step into a burnt-out stump hole and break a leg in a hole you can't see filled with ash!
How come your alone?😢
I tend to do a lot of trips alone. Mostly due to scheduling
How far can a dog run into the woods..? ...half way ... after that he's just running out again ..!
I like it.
Great videos, how can we contact you by email or phone, web?
The easiest way is to DM me on instagram. My username is making_it_wild. I can send you my email from there.
Was Nobraino Injings
Jake Brooks
Larry Tesmer
The money g0es somewhere else. Trails not maintained in Utah either
It’s a bummer for sure.
Lol well no wonder the poor mule didn't want to get up! You trying to drown the beast of burden! Great video, an glad all is well!
She was taken through some rough country over the years for sure. I don’t blame her
Very cool thanks for sharing
Thanks
Dude what is the state that you are in. Help me out
New Mexico