Gila River Loop

Total Miles 25.5
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

You'll like this fun little loop that's especially nice when the river is flowing. The bulk of the trail is comprised of sandy washes, but there's a portion that's rocky and challenging along the river around South Butte. Cool things to see include an old stone cabin in ruins and a railroad trestle. If you're camping, there is a boulder-encircled site, as well as a large staging area at the trailhead. You'll need a State Trust Land permit for this one.

Photos of Gila River Loop

Difficulty

Moderate: The washes are easy, but the stretch between Waypoints 04 and 07 is narrow in spots with very tight brush. One rocky descent has a big ledge to drop down, but a high clearance SUV with experienced driver should be able to handle it.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Jason Bingham
Dec 07, 2025
Open
Great trail with a little bit of everything! Optional water crossings, rock climbing, enjoy the river under the trees, great camping spots, sandy washes, bighorn sheep.
Wyatt Pace
Aug 16, 2025
Open
Randall Flick
Mar 16, 2024
Open
Trail follows mostly smooth wash. The connector trail from Box O Wash to Donnelly Wash is very rocky and overgrown but still fun. Look for a steep hill climb to the left behind the butte for a trail leading to what appears to be old mines or caves. If you’re taking the trail clockwise to the bridge be very careful route finding in the last little bit. One route leads straight off a cliff.
Christopher Griffin
Nov 26, 2023
Open
Ricky D
Nov 24, 2023
Open
lucas lachney
Oct 01, 2023
Open
Tony Lopez
May 05, 2023
Open
BARBARA MEADOWS
May 01, 2023
Open

Gila River Loop Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Gila River Loop Map

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