PSA: The new bridge on the West Fork trail is out, do not trust the old maps

Just got back from a three day loop in the Gila Wilderness and the footbridge over West Fork at mile 8.5 is completely gone, washed out from spring runoff. My partner and I had to backtrack nearly four miles to a sketchy rock hop because our printed map from last year still showed it. Has anyone else been through there recently and found a safer crossing point?

3 comments

3 Comments

alice_kim1mo ago

Used to think those old forest service maps were basically gospel for trip planning. This exact thing happened to me on the Middle Fork last season and it was a brutal day. Now I check the ranger district's social media for trail updates right before heading out.

benc531mo ago

Honestly I still trust the paper maps more than social media posts that could be outdated too.

xenagarcia1mo ago

That "old maps are gospel" feeling is exactly how you get into trouble. The ranger district's social media is a good start, but it's not a full plan. You need to check the official forest service website for the trail condition reports they post, those are the real updates. Social media posts from them can miss things, and hiker forums have a delay. Always look at the most recent source you can find.