We’re nearing the end of our time around Silver City and I realized I missed a couple days of pics. None of these look terribly different then all the other photos. We’ve been above 6000′ for over a month now and spring is definitely here. The flowers are starting to come out in the high desert.
Star Mesa Gravel
There are a lot of gravel roads up in the Gila National Forest. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs through the area but part of it is in wilderness and bikes are not allowed in the wilderness so they have to divert on Star Mesa gravel road for a large section. Derek rode a section of it one afternoon while I hiked around. It’s a really good gravel road but if any truck or atv goes by there is A LOT of gravel dust and dirt kicked up. Luckily, there wasn’t much vehicle traffic when we were out there.
CDT Burro Peak Loop
Last time we were in the area we did this ride in reverse by climbing up the gravel road and coming down the CDT. This section of the trail is very technical in spots with loose rocks and steep pitches but it’s beautiful and seldom used. We didn’t see anyone last time and the same was true for this time.
Hornbrook CDT
I dropped Derek off for an out and back ride up to Hornbrook on the CDT and then he continued back to camp while I hiked. We rode this section last time and it’s tough because it’s loose and rocky towards the top of the mtn. The two weeks we were up by the Roberts Lake we didn’t have cell reception when away from camp which can be unnerving when you are alone riding or hiking. Especially so when the area is all new to us and we don’t necessarily know what trail hazards could exist. We always have a ride or hike map planned out so the other knows where to come looking if need be.
The giant bicycle stage race Tour of Gila is taking place still this weekend (it started Wednesday). We’re going downtown to check out the criterium Saturday evening. Should be fun!
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