Halloween in the Gila
Halloween in the Gila is a three-day ride through one of the Southwest’s wildest and most remote landscapes: the Gila National Forest. This backcountry route weaves through ancient volcanic mountains, deep pine forests, and rugged canyons, following sections of the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route (NMBDR) and lesser-known forest roads. Expect crisp fall air, golden aspens at elevation, and winding dirt tracks that lead you far from cell service and city lights. The riding offers a mix of smooth gravel, technical climbs, and creek crossings — a true dual-sport adventure where preparation and spirit are equally essential.
What sets this ride apart is the timing: Halloween weekend, beneath some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S. Camp under a blanket of stars in remote clearings that feel haunted only by coyotes and the wind. We’ll trace historic mining trails, stop at hidden hot springs, and end each day with a fire, warm food, and tales that blur the line between myth and memory. This isn’t a costume party — it’s a full immersion into the mystical wild heart of New Mexico.
