New Mexico · Hiking

Rocky Canyon River Alt

3.4 mi
round trip
467 ft
climb
6,882 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Rocky Canyon River Alt open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Gila National Forest. It doesn't name Rocky Canyon River Alt, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Gila National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Rocky Canyon River Alt is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 6.7 miles in the Gila Wilderness, part of the Wilderness Ranger District of Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The trail rises from a low point of 6,420 feet to a high of 6,882 feet, a climb of about 467 feet one way. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Gila Hot Springs weather station show April highs around 73°F and October highs around 75°F, while July and August bring the most wet days, about 12 and 13 a month. That station sits roughly 1,200 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run cooler. The closest neighbors are Rocky Canyon Trail #700 and Sapillo Group Campground Road, both about 2.3 miles away, and Apache Creek Trail #96 at about 2.6 miles. Lake Roberts, a fishing spot with a boat launch, lies about 3.5 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Rocky Canyon River Alt

    Best months: April–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      57° / 17°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      60° / 22°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 25°

      4 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 30°

      2 wet

    5. May

      81° / 36°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 44°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 53°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 53°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 45°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      75° / 33°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 24°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      56° / 18°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gila Hot Springs, NM, 12.3 mi away at 5,636 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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