Gila National Forest completes upgrades for Continental Divide Trail trailheads

SILVER CITY, NM, October 5, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District recently completed trailhead improvements along Red Rock Road (Grant County Road 4-24) and Forest Ridge Road (Grant County Road 4-6) for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in the Burro Mountains southwest of Silver City.

“Hats off to the forest road crew, who accomplished the upgrade of these parking areas from rutted patches of dirt into attractive parking areas that can better accommodate the use they receive,” said Silver City District Ranger Elizabeth Toney. “With these improvements, the trailheads better reflect the high profile and iconic nature of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and our commitment to provide high-quality recreation facilities.”

Along with the Jack’s Peak Trailhead completed last March, the Forest Ridge Trailhead and Red Rock Trailhead are now ready for use. The Gila National Forest road crew constructed new graded, graveled parking areas along Red Rock Road and Forest Ridge Road over the past several weeks. The Forest Ridge Trailhead will accommodate parked vehicles, while the Red Rock Trailhead is large enough to accommodate vehicles with trailers. Minor work remains to be completed, including installation of parking bumpers, signage and reflectors.

This project completes the Silver City Ranger District’s phased efforts for upgrade of Continental Divide Trail trailheads in the Burro Mountains. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .