Spring
This unnamed Gila National Forest spring delivers 93°F water at 5,817 feet elevation in Grant County, confirmed by USGS at 60.6°C -- significantly hotter than the 1980 surface reading. The spring sits nearly 5 kilometers from the nearest road, requiring a committed hike through backcountry terrain. Water chemistry shows moderate mineralization at 505 mg/L TDS with slightly alkaline pH of 7.8.
The spring emerges in the rugged canyon country of the Gila River watershed near Arenas Valley, surrounded by steep volcanic terrain, mixed pine-juniper woodland, and riparian corridors along seasonal drainages. Elevation places it in a transition zone between desert grassland and montane forest. Annual precipitation reaches 15.7 inches with 19.1 inches of snow, supporting denser vegetation than the lowlands below. Rock outcrops of Tertiary volcanic origin dominate the immediate landscape, and the Gila River system carves deep canyons through this mountainous terrain.
Specific historical records for this unnamed spring are sparse. The broader Gila hot spring system was well known to the Mimbres and Mogollon peoples who inhabited these canyons for centuries. The area became part of the Gila National Forest in 1924. Multiple thermal springs in this drainage remain undeveloped, reflecting the Forest Service's management approach in this remote section of the forest. Forks Campground, about 11 kilometers away, serves as a common staging point.
Plan for a full-day or overnight backcountry trip -- the 5-kilometer distance from the road crosses uneven, trail-limited terrain. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking weather; summer monsoons bring flash flood risk to canyon bottoms. Carry topographic maps, plenty of water, and bear-country food storage. Forks Campground (first-come, first-served) along the West Fork of the Gila River provides a base camp option. A Gila National Forest map is essential for route-finding.
Is Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 505 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks Recreation Site along the West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.