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ForestMatters, LLC

Aldo Leopold Wilderness Loop

Gila National Forest, New Mexico · 3 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Aldo Leopold Wilderness, named for the father of modern wilderness conservation
  • High Black Range ridge walking above 9,000 feet
  • Continental Divide Trail passes through the wilderness
  • Genuine backcountry with minimal signs of human presence
  • Mixed spruce-fir and aspen forest on the upper ridge

Overview

The Aldo Leopold Wilderness covers 202,016 acres of the Black Range in Gila National Forest, named posthumously for Aldo Leopold, the forester-turned-conservationist who transformed American thinking about wilderness while stationed at the adjacent Gila in the 1920s. The Continental Divide Trail passes through the wilderness along the Black Range ridge, and the high country above 9,000 feet retains the roadless character that Leopold argued was essential to maintain.

This loop provides a full-day or overnight introduction to the Black Range wilderness, combining ridge walking with forest diversity across a genuine wilderness experience.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 2.5: Trailhead to Wilderness

The trail climbs from the Railroad Canyon trailhead on NM-152 through oak and pine forest. At mile 2.5 the route enters the wilderness boundary and the terrain becomes more remote in character.

Miles 2.5 to 6.0: Ridge Traverse

The route gains the main Black Range ridge and follows it north through spruce-fir and aspen forest. The Continental Divide Trail runs along the ridge for part of this section. Views east across the Chihuahuan Desert appear at multiple openings.

Miles 6.0 to 9.5: Descent

The loop descends from the ridge on a different drainage, passing through mixed pine and oak woodland.

Miles 9.5 to 12.0: Return to Trailhead

The lower section follows a canyon bottom back to the trailhead.

When to Hike

May through October the ridge is accessible. Snow can persist above 9,000 feet into late May.

July through August monsoon season requires early starts. Be off the ridge before noon.

September and October are the best months for clear ridge views and fall aspen color.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 3 to 4 liters of water. Canyon springs on the descent may provide filterable water but reliability varies by season. Warm layers for the ridge where wind can be significant even in summer. A paper map or downloaded track is essential in the wilderness where trail signage is minimal.

Trailhead Access

The Railroad Canyon trailhead is located on NM-152 in the Black Range. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). No facilities. High-clearance vehicle may be needed for the access road.

Nearby

Signal Peak Trail in the southern Black Range provides a shorter alternative. Whitewater Baldy Summit Trail is the highest point in the forest, located in the adjacent Mogollon Mountains.

Check weather and any wilderness closures at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles in this wilderness named for one of conservation's most articulate advocates.

Trailhead Parking

Railroad Canyon trailhead off NM-152 in the Black Range near Hillsboro. Gravel lot for 8-10 vehicles.

← Back to Gila National Forest

More Trails in Gila National Forest

easyout-and-back

Catwalk National Recreation Trail

2.1 mi200 ft gain
March through November

The Catwalk National Recreation Trail follows a historic metal catwalk bolted to the walls of Whitewater Creek Canyon through a narrow slot gorge in Gila National Forest, covering 2.1 miles out and back.

3 min read

easyloop

Gila Cliff Dwellings Loop

1 mi175 ft gain
Year-round

The Gila Cliff Dwellings Loop is a 1.0-mile circuit that walks through 700-year-old Mogollon cliff dwellings in their natural cave settings in the Gila National Forest, one of the best-preserved cliff dwelling sites in the Southwest.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Gila River Canyon Trail

14 mi800 ft gain
May through June, September through November

The Gila River Canyon Trail covers 14.0 miles out and back through one of the most remote wild corridors in the Southwest, requiring dozens of river crossings through the canyon of the Gila River in the Gila Wilderness.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Little Bear Canyon Trail

4 mi450 ft gain
March through November

Little Bear Canyon Trail is a 4.0-mile out-and-back walk through a small canyon tributary of the Mimbres River system in Gila National Forest, with riparian springs and canyon wildlife.

4 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

McKenna Park Trail

6.5 mi1,600 ft gain
June through October

McKenna Park Trail is a 6.5-mile out-and-back route to an alpine meadow park above 9,000 feet in the Mogollon Mountains of Gila National Forest, through old-growth ponderosa forest.

5 min read

moderateout-and-back

Signal Peak Trail

5 mi1,400 ft gain
April through November

Signal Peak Trail is a 5.0-mile out-and-back climb through the Black Range of Gila National Forest to a summit with long views across the Chihuahuan Desert and back toward the Mogollon Mountains.

4 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Whitewater Baldy Summit Trail

15 mi3,500 ft gain
June through October

Whitewater Baldy Summit Trail is a 15.0-mile out-and-back climb to the 10,892-foot summit of Whitewater Baldy, the highest point in the Mogollon Mountains and in Gila National Forest.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Aldo Leopold and why is this wilderness named for him?
Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) was a USFS ranger, wildlife ecologist, and author who advocated for wilderness protection while stationed at Gila. He is considered the father of modern wilderness conservation and wildlife management. His book A Sand County Almanac is a foundational text in environmental literature.
How long does the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Loop take?
The 12.0-mile loop with 2,200 feet of elevation gain is a long, demanding day or a comfortable overnight backpack. Allow 7 to 10 hours for a day trip.
Is the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Loop dog friendly?
Dogs are allowed in the wilderness and should be leashed or under close control. Bring adequate food and water for dogs on this long route.