North Fork Trail

North Fork Trail is a hard out-and-back hike in the Gila Wilderness, part of the Glenwood Ranger District of Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The route is about 5 miles long, with a total elevation gain of about 2,500 feet, and it climbs from roughly 6,300 feet to about 8,870 feet at its high point. The trail lies within designated wilderness, and the Forest Service manages the surrounding land. The climb is a significant one, and the route's length and steepness make it a demanding day on foot. For timing, late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Alpine, Arizona, show May highs around 69°F and September highs around 72°F, while July and August bring the most wet days. Several other trails sit within a few miles, including Spider Creek Trail about 1.5 miles away and Straight Up Trail and Holt Mountain Trail each about 1.7 miles off.