Annual Backpack to Turkey Creek Hot Springs in the Gila Wilderness
September 24-27, 2019
![La Paloma](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/la-paloma.jpg)
Starting out with a great lunch at La Paloma in Solomon. Photo by Curtiss
![old school backpackers](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/group.jpg)
Old-school backpackers: Dave T., Curtiss, Ann H, Scott, Linda, Eb, Doug, ADL, me and Dennis
![setting out](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/the-scene.jpg)
Setting out.Photo by Ann H
![first crossing](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/first-crossing.jpg)
First crossing of the Gila.
![all smiles](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/all-smiles.jpg)
All smiles.Photo by Curtiss
![gear tree](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/gear-tree.jpg)
Eb's gear tree.Photo by Curtiss
![fall colors](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/fall-colors.jpg)
Fall colors.Photo by Curtiss
![campfire](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/campfire.jpg)
Our very comfy and compendious campfire. Photo by Curtiss
![doug](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/doug.jpg)
Doug
Eb playing at his favorite venue.
![xxx](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/eb.jpg)
Eb. Photo by Ann H
![xxx](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/curtiss-and-eb.jpg)
Curtiss and Eb. Photo by Ann H
![xxx](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/chopsticks.jpg)
A real man makes his own chopsticks. Curtiss and Scott. Photo by Ann H
![lower pools](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/lower-pools.jpg)
The lower pools were in great shape. Photo by Curtiss
![upper pool](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/some-assembly.jpg)
Upper pool: some assembly required.
![tough guys](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/tough-guys.jpg)
These are the guys for the job (Doug, Curtiss and ADL)
![petroglyphs by the pool](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/petroglyphs-and-pool.jpg)
When the sun angle was just right, we noticed these petroglyphs right next to the pool. Photo by Ann H
![perfect soaking pool](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/perfect-pool.jpg)
The reward for our hard work: the perfect soaking pool.
![the climb](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/heading-up.jpg)
Instead of hacking our back back through the canyon, we decided to scramble straight up the cliff to the top of the ridge. It was one hell of a climb! Photo by Curtiss
![at the top](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/at-the-top.jpg)
We made it! Photo by Ann H
Jaw-dropping views from the top of the ridge between Turkey Creek and Skeleton Canyon.
![hiking dress](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/hiking-dress.jpg)
My new look. Photo by Ann H
![xxx](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/linda-and-doug.jpg)
Linda and Doug relaxing at the confluence.
![xxx](https://www.desertlavender.com/new-mexico/gila-wilderness/turkey-creek/in-the-distance.jpg)
Heading home, all too soon as usual. Photo by Curtiss