Apache and Gila National Forests

[tankhead]

Good morning all.

I am a region 6er. I was wondering what the weather is usually like in the above said forests in early April.  Still snow?  Easter is early this year and would like to travel x-country to check out all of the beauty and twisties.  Any information would be great.  Have at it and thanks for your time.

If not early april, how 'bout late august? Is it still way hot?

[Orson]

parts of the Gila National Forest are 7000' above seal level, so mornings can be chilly.

I remember that we stopped at some primitive hot springs just a few yards off NM-180, although it wuz years ago and I couldn't begin to tell you where they are.

some judicious Google searching might find them.

[Justin]

April should be fine, although it's the Rockies, so there is always a chance of bad weather at elevation. But you should be good to go at that time. August will be brutal if you hit the desert, which you most likely will to get there. I suspect you are doing the Coronado trail in AZ? Clifton on the southern end is in the desert. Last time I was there was mid October and it was hot as heck - then cold in the mountains.

[buls4evr]

  I ride up there in April all the time. The weather is pretty nice in April and all the roads are rideable usually. Take Justin's cautions to heart though. Above 7K ft. you could still have icy patches on the road. Make sure to catch AZ 191 above Clifton, NM78 to Muleshoe. There is great riding around Silver City NM also-152,15,35,61 and some of 180 is great. October is beautiful there also as you see leaf changes and a lot less wind than April. PM me when you get there if you want specifics. Great riding!