Winter Gila Overland – Friday, February 15th to Sunday, February 17th (President's Day Weekend) – NMBR's Winter Season Gila National Forest Traversal

Winter Gila Overland [WGO] - Friday, February 15th through Sunday, February 17th, 2019 (President's Day Weekend)  – Overland-based traverse of the remote backcountry, rich history and rugged backroads of the New Mexico Gila - Guided by NMBR’s Jake Quinones 

WGO Preview: Visit the NMBR’s New Mexico Gila Adventure photo gallery for a preview of the Winter Gila Overland experience. LINK - goo.gl/UsrcF6 

WGO Overview: New Mexico’s vast Gila Region | 3 Day President's Day Weekend Trip | Approximate Route Distance: 180 to 225-Miles | Approximate Elevation Range: 4,175 to 8,250-Feet | The Gila Overland provides a condensed “weekend warrior” version of NMBR’s (four day) Gila Legends Expedition. NMBR has guided sections of this stunningly scenic and landscape diverse route for American Expedition Vehicles, Expedition Portal, and Overland Journal. Areas of exploration will include Black Range, Great Divide Trail, and Plains of San Agustin.

The Experience: This February, New Mexico Backroads will be guiding a three day [180 to 225-mile] overland adventure that will traverse New Mexico’s vast and diverse Gila region. NMBR has guided portions of this route for American Expedition Vehicles, Expedition Portal, Overland Journal, and a multitude of overland enthusiasts seeking adventure. The Gila Overland route includes a diverse range of scenery, history, terrain, and backroads found nowhere else in North America. Landscapes and terrain will include desert, grassland, chaparral, canyon bottoms, and dense forest with elevations ranging from 4,175 to 8,250-feet. Areas of exploration will include the Gila National Forest’s Black Range, Great Divide Trail (sections), and Plains of San Agustin. The Gila Overland route will pass through the northern end of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range as well as the Southern end of the Rockies, all while skirting the world’s first established wilderness areas—the Gila Wilderness & Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Road types and conditions will include washboards, two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, dirt byway and (least of all) pavement. The Gila Overland will provide outstanding vistas, historic landmarks, wildlife viewing opportunities (including Mexican grey wolf territory), and aggressive elevation contours. During the overland based adventure, NMBR will cover a variety of topics including area landscape features, area history, vehicle maintenance, overland field kit assembly, driving techniques, vehicle dynamics, and other overland-based skill building subjects.

Where, When & Pricing: The Winter Gila Overland will take place Friday, February 15th through Sunday, February 17th, 2019. Participants will meet the morning of Friday, February 23rd in southern New Mexico; the exact departure location and details will be provided during the registration process. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $491.00 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $391.00 (plus tax). Please note: Due to the remote setting of NMBR's overland and expedition traversal routes, services of any kind, including cell, fuel, food, water, resupply, and/or medical services may be unavailable for stretches of 225-miles or more (if re-routes occur).

Planning & Preparations: The Gila Overland will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, meals, and supplies. Services or re-supply of any kind, including cell signals, fuel, food, water, or anything remotely civilized, will be unavailable for stretches of up to 225 miles or more (if re-routes occur). Please note: The Winter Gila Overland will take place in the high-country of the Gila National Forest when seasonal temperatures can sometimes drop into the single digits and snow is entirely possible. Please understand that driving and camping conditions could be very cold, wet, muddy, and/or snowy during this trip. If these possible conditions don’t appeal to you, or outside of your comfort zone for overland travels, please consider NMBR’s summer and fall based trips instead.

Go Boldly with NMBR - Over the past decade, NMBR has written a series of informative overland travel based articles with topics ranging from field kit assembly, to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, to equipment and gear advice. These articles, paired with extensive checklists and instructions, are provided to registered participants as a solid foundation for what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring for the adventure. During the Gila Overland pre-trip planning and preparation period, NMBR will be available to provide expert opinion and feedback to registered participants for any questions or concerns related to getting ready and gearing up for the adventure. During the Gila Overland, NMBR will revisit many of the topics that were covered in the pre-trip period with in field demonstrations and lessons. The self-sufficient aspect of NMBR guided expeditions and overland adventures and trail runs challenges and prepares participants for their future 4WD based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence.

Register: Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining the Winter Gila Overland, or would like to receive extended details for the tour, please  email NMBackroads@gmail.com and additional driver/equipment requirements and registration information will be provided.