Fall Foliage on the West Fork Gila River
October 23, 2025
Perfect fall hike with our friends from the Gila Hikers!
The day started out foggy and rainy.
But a rainbow reassured us that we had chosen a good day for our hike.
First crossing of the West Fork.
The beavers have been busy and parts of the trail are flooded.
A large cairn in a broad valley along the West Fork.
The William Grudgings grave.
The Grudging brothers, Henry (Hank), William (Willie), and Charley, built a cabin on the West Fork of the Gila River (Silver City, NM) in 1885. They were known to be cattle rustlers, although they made similar claims against the Wood family, who had a homestead over the mountain on Iron Creek. In 1893, William allegedly ambushed and killed 15-year-old Charley Wood and Francisco Diaz, who were bringing in supplies from Mogollon. In retaliation, Tom Wood killed William Grudgings but was found not guilty upon surrendering to Silver City authorities in 1896. William was buried by his brothers near the Grudgings cabin, which stood for many years. His headstone inscription, which reads: William Grudgings, "Waylaid and Murdered By Tom Wood, October 8, 1893, Age 37 Years 8 Months,"
Yellow Arizona sycamores along the creek decorated with bright red Virginia creeper.
Rugged cliffs on the opposite bank.
One of the many stream crossings.
At a bend in the river.
About three miles in, the "Three Mile Ruins" appear.
I haven't been able to find any information about this site. I've always wondered if the small cliff dwelling on the left is connected to the large cave.
Just upstream from our lunch spot.
Alan and Sue relaxing after lunch.
Yes, cattails can be found in New Mexico!
Grove of young sycamores lining the trail back to the parking lot.
