McKnight Canyon with Gila Trails
May 27-29, 2026
McKnight is the jewel of the Mimbres River Valley! The area was torched by the Silver Fire of 2013, and then again when the Black Fire in 2022. It was years before we dared return to this area. And when we did, we were surprised to see that while the sides of the canyon are charred toothpicks, the valley floor is remarkably intact.
A permanent stream, abundant shade and elevation ranging from 7000 to 7600' make McKnight Canyon a prime destination for warm weather hiking.
Last year Gila Trails with the support of the Gila Backcountry Horsemencleared the first three miles of the trail. I signed up for the last work trip of the season, with the goal of extending the restored trail farther up the canyon.
Classic dreamy McKnight Canyon streamside hiking.
My streamside "cabin". Tipping the scales at less than two pounds — mostly due to relying on my two hiking poles for support — this diminutive tent helps me keep my pack weight and no more than 25 pounds, including food and water. The nearby creek meant I could take a bird bath every day after work. And at night, we were serenaded by very enthusiastic whipoorwills and Mexican spotted owls.
About five miles up the canyon, there's a sweet cabin. This would make a great turnaround point for a long day hike, or an easy backpack.
The cabin is in better shape than most, and nearby is a two-hole outhouse.
I haven't been able to find any information online about this cabin, but nearby are numerous reminders of an active past, including pieces of a Hero cast iron stove. These stoves were manufactured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and often featured elaborate ornamentation. Note the mounted warrior and the two storks (or flamingos?) on this one.
Past the canyon, the trail reaches the heart of the Black Fire burn scar. Hillsides shorn of any vegeation taller than three feet descend all the way to the canyon floor. Trail work was much more difficult here, with blackened timbers wedged into narrow slots, and the usual scratchy post-fire pioneers — locusts, prairie roses and New Mexico raspberries — punching holes in our clothing. By the end of the day, my back was killing me.
That evening, a black bear approached our camp, and then turned and wandered up the ridge. Later we learned that three other bears had been spotted by members of our crew. I hiked out solo Friday morning, belting out Balkan folk tunes the whole way. Luckily bears do not appreciate my tenor voice (they prefer a bear-i-tone).
The Flora
New Mexico Lupine and Prairie Rose
Desert Columbine and Western Wallflowers
One final word about McKnight Canyon "flora". The canyon flora is a sea of poison ivy. I mean wall-to-wall poison ivy! If you are highly sensitive, this hike may not be your best choice.
