Tadpole Ridge
July, 2026
As the weather warms up, it becomes more and more difficult to choose a destination for our weekly hike with Gila Hikers. It needs to be high elevation, with plenty of shade, but also not too far away since we need an early start. Tadpole Ridge is a high-elevation trail with easy access from NM 15, but it was scorched by the Tadpole Fire in 2020 and the Trout Fire of 2025. We last tried hiking it in June, 2024, but were put off by the downed logs, dense brush and charred trees as far as the eye could see.
What a difference two years and regular maintenance make! We returned on what has thus far been the hottest day of the year in Silver City, and found the trail mostly shaded with lots of new growth covering up the old burn scars.
Dennis, Janett, Kim, Nancy and Greg taking a short bring on the long climb up Tadpole Ridge.
About a half mile up the trail from the Meadow Creek turnoff, there's an open rocky area just south of the trail that is worth a quick detour.
Approaching Scott Peak (8271'). Ferns have taken over the badly burned eastern slope.
We took a short break in a saddle about 3/4 mile past Scott Peak, where there was an unusual view of Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery.
The trail just got prettier and prettier the farther in we hiked, rambling across the well-wooded spine of the ridge.
View to the west, with the high point of the ridge towering another 400' directly in front of us.
Of course one side effect of the fires is killer views in all directions. This is looking north toward the Mogollon Mountains.
We decided to turn back at the saddle just below the last big push to the top of the ridge. We'll save the longer hike for cooler weather. At roughly five miles round trip with 730' of ascent, this abridged version of Tadpole Ridge makes a great hot weather hike, with non-stop views, a fresh breeze and just enough shade for our hikers to take a break and stay hydrated and happy.
