Hike #76 – From Forest Road 506 south to Gomez Peak; around base of Gomez Peak and Back
This Hike Stinks!
Okay. The hike doesn’t stink; in fact it was a great hike. However, by the time we finished, we stank. So my subtitle should read, “This Hiker Stinks!” It was a hot, humid day for a walk, for sure. Also, when we came around the north side of Gomez, we reached the burn area, and it stank. A sad, burned forest smell that was very strong. For those of you who aren’t from around here, several weeks ago, there was a fire on our beloved Gomez Peak and people have been mentioning that they walked the trail and saw it. I wanted to see it, but I didn’t, do you know what I mean? It makes you sick and scared. The fire could have been worse, but it’s bad enough as it is.
Our original thought was to walk off of Forest Road 506 in the shade but once we got talking, we decided to circle the base of Gomez using the trail system there. I had never done it so it was enjoyable to experience it. We walked south from the car and quickly came to the trail signs. There was a bunch of different terrains we went through: shaded forest, arroyo walking, large boulder spanning, typical desert terrain. It didn’t seem far to circle around the base, until we were on the south side of the mountain and started to get hot and tired. That’s where the trail goes up over the saddle and is the terrain is barer. I even ran out of water which I have never done before. Cody drank 3 dishes full when we got back to the car. I drank my 3rd bottle (that I leave in the car for the return trip) by the time we got home.
It was a good hike to break in my new hiking boots with – I’m on pair #3. Let’s see how long this pair lasts!
Well, this girl is tired, so I’ll end now.
5.4 miles /3.0 hours
76 down /24 to go
Posted on July 8, 2012, in Challenge, Desert, Gila National Forest, Hike, Hiking, Nature, New Mexico, Outdoor Activities, Outdoors, Silver City, Southwest and tagged challenge, desert, Gila, Gila Wilderness, hike, hiking, New Mexico, Pinos Altos, Silver City, Southwest. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
100 Hikes Near Silver City, New Mexico 
I didn’t notice any Poodle Dog bush in your photos, but be on the lookout for it hiking in burn areas. Poodle Dog lies dormant until fire germinates the seeds and it can lead to a very itchy rash similar to poison oak.
Thanks for the heads up! I’ll keep an eye out for it. I’m going to ask some local outdoors people if it grows in our area. I just recently found out that in small pockets of moisture here, we have poisin ivy!