Overview
Little Bear Canyon drains a small tributary of the Mimbres River in the central section of Gila National Forest, near the Mimbres Valley communities. The canyon is smaller and more intimate than the main Gila River Canyon but offers the same riparian character with cottonwood, willow, and spring-fed pools in a compact setting. This is an excellent trail for those who want canyon walking without the demanding logistics of the Gila River route.
The Mimbres watershed sits at the intersection of the Chihuahuan Desert and the high mountain forests of the Mogollons, and that botanical meeting point makes Little Bear Canyon richer in species than its modest size suggests. The canyon bottom supports fremont cottonwood and Gooding willow shading a corridor of horsetail, cardinal flower in late summer, and native grass species along the banks. Above the canyon rim, the desert character reasserts quickly with one-seed juniper, pinon pine, and scattered agave.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 1.0: Trailhead to Canyon Entry
The trail follows a path along the canyon floor through mixed grassland and scattered juniper before entering the riparian zone. The approach section is open and sunny, with good views of the canyon walls ahead. The transition into the riparian zone is gradual at first, announced by the first scattered willows and then the larger cottonwoods as the creek becomes more consistently present underfoot.
Miles 1.0 to 2.0: Canyon Interior
The canyon narrows and the cottonwood canopy closes overhead, providing deep shade through the warmest months. The creek is present and audible throughout this section, running over a series of sandstone and limestone ledges that create small pool and riffle sequences. Vermilion flycatchers are frequently seen in the cottonwood canopy, and canyon wrens call from the rocky walls above. The turnaround at mile 2.0 is a canyon wall that limits further foot travel; this natural terminus makes the trail's endpoint feel intentional rather than arbitrary.
Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Return
Return the same route through the canyon. The outbound and return walks feel different in good light conditions, as the canyon orientation means the sun angles shift over the cottonwood canopy. Watch for the stepping stone sections on the return, which can be slippery if the rocks have been in shade.
When to Hike
March through May for spring wildflowers and creek flow at peak. The cottonwoods leaf out in early April and transform the canyon from a bare-bone winter landscape into a green tunnel.
October through November for fall cottonwood color. The yellows here rival the aspen color in the higher mountains, and the canyon light filters through the leaves in a way that makes this one of the best short walks in the Mimbres area during that window.
June through September: the canyon provides considerable shade and makes midday hiking more bearable than exposed routes in the area. Afternoon monsoon storms in July and August can cause flash flooding in narrow canyon terrain; check weather forecasts before entering.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water for this 4-mile route. The creek is present but should be filtered before drinking. Water shoes or trail runners with good grip are practical for the stepping stone sections in the canyon interior. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Cell service is absent in this area; let someone know your plans before heading in.
Trailhead Access
Located on NM-61 in the Mimbres Valley. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). The gravel pullout holds 8 to 10 vehicles. No facilities at the trailhead. The Mimbres Valley road is paved and accessible to standard passenger vehicles.
Nearby
Gila Cliff Dwellings Loop and Gila River Canyon Trail are in the same general area to the west, reached via NM-35 and NM-15. Signal Peak Trail in the Black Range provides a contrasting ridge experience on the other side of the valley.
Check creek conditions at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.