This loop combines old and new sections of the CDT and will convince you that the Gila National Forest contains wonderfully varied terrain. There’s a cairn and a small parking lot on Bear Mountain Road. You can hike from there to the start of the loop, or, if you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive up Forest Road 858.
The loop begins at a cattle guard at the top of ridge. Hop on the CDT heading east. The trail climbs quickly to a high, open ridge with 360-degree views. In 1.7 miles, the CDT splits to the right, to join the network of trails at Little Walnut. But to the left, an earlier iteration of the CDT passes through a raised ramp cattle guard and continues west to the Walnut Creek. This north-facing drainage has one of the loveliest ponderosa pine forests in Grant County. About a mile-and-a-half from the trail fork, you arrive at Walnut Creek, a dreamy riparian area. Follow the old forest road up the hill and back to your vehicles, or back to the trailhead on Bear Mountain Road.
Distance: 4.38 miles
Ascent: 538′
Trailhead Elevation: 6548′
Directions: From Silver City, go west 1/2 miles on NM 180, then turn north on Cottage Sans/Alabama. In 3.2 miles, stay left at the fork and continue on Bear Mountain Road.
If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle: In 2.2 miles, turn right on FR 58 South Fork Walnut Creek Road. Follow this road for 1.8 miles and park just before the cattle guard at the top of the hill.
If you don’t have a high clearance 4WD vehicle: Stay on Bear Mountain Road for another half mile and look for a parking lot on the left. There’s a cairn at the trailhead on the right side of the road. Note this option adds 2.6 miles to your distance.
Photo Gallery
