Written by Max Skolnick-Schur, Wild Stew Field Crew Member.
This hitch we returned to the Gila Wilderness, hiking in on the Redstone Trail to continue our work in Whitewater Canyon, sometimes called the Michael Jordan of canyons, with towering walls, a rushing creek, and trail that winds through some of the most dramatic country in the Gila Wilderness. We got to work alongside Nathan and Zach from the Glenwood District of the Gila National Forest for most of the hitch, and Eric also joined us halfway through the hitch after recovering from being sick, to help us perform ancillary services to the trail system.
We did a little bit of everything on the trail, including retreading just over half a mile along 1.4 miles of total trail, helping to make it hydrologically invisible — meaning that water flows off the slope instead of down the trail, preventing erosion and damage. We also intermittently brushed, built several walls walls, and built some additional cairns.
After work, we had the chance to enjoy our beautiful campsite beside the creek. Evenings brought campfires, including the unforgettable Great Pinecone Fire of 2025. The downtime gave us a chance to share laughs, rest tired muscles, and get to better know our partners at the Forest Service.
