The Meadows Warm Spring
The Meadows Warm Spring flows at 91°F deep in the Gila National Forest backcountry at 6,267 feet elevation, about 36 degrees above ambient air temperature. It sits nearly 8 kilometers from the nearest road in Grant County's most remote terrain near Arenas Valley. No water chemistry data has been published. Open public access on US Forest Service land with protection level 3.
The spring surfaces in an open mountain meadow -- the feature that gives it its name -- along a drainage in the upper Gila watershed. Tall grasses, sedges, and wildflowers surround the spring source, bordered by mixed conifer forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and white fir. The terrain transitions between narrow forested canyons and broader valley openings at this elevation. Annual precipitation of 16.1 inches and 21.3 inches of snow sustain dense riparian vegetation along nearby stream corridors. The meadow setting contrasts with the deeply incised canyon terrain found elsewhere in this drainage.
This is a full backcountry expedition requiring a hike of approximately 5 miles from the nearest road through rugged, minimally-trailed terrain. Plan for a multi-day trip with topographic maps, GPS, bear canisters, and water purification. The meadow setting is exposed -- bring shelter and prepare for afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July-September). Spring and early fall provide the best conditions. Forks Campground, 17.5 kilometers away, is the nearest established camp. No permits are currently required.
Historical records specific to The Meadows Warm Spring are minimal. The name references the open meadow landscape where the spring emerges, distinguishing it from the many canyon-bottom thermal features in the Gila drainage. The Mogollon people inhabited these highlands for centuries before the area became part of the Gila National Forest. The spring has seen no commercial development or structural improvement and remains in a natural, undeveloped state under Forest Service management.
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This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks Recreation Site along the West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.
The Meadows Warm Spring sits at 6,267 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 25% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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The Meadows Warm Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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