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As the August sun sears the sidewalks of the Southwest,
horsemen and women can run away from the heat of the day to taste
the life of the early cowboys by joining pack trips in the cool
high country of the Gila Wilderness area, where daytime temperatures
are mild, the evenings crisp and brisk and the scenery spectacular.
The Gila Wilderness is a 1,000 square mile forest of indescribable
beauty and majesty located in Southwest New Mexico. The area claims
five eco-zones that include alpine meadows, clear streams, breathtaking
sunsets and a widely diverse collection of flora and fauna. Groups
will see plenty of wildlife along the way. Bear deer, eagles and
elk have all been sighted from the trail. When Jim Mater began exploring
the high country of the Gila Wilderness area, more than a decade
ago, he and his mule traversed the forest and wilderness alone on
extended solitary voyages. He was so inspired by what he saw that
he decided to find a way to share the splendor of the wilderness
with others. He created U-Trail to be a wilderness showcase -- not
a city slicker or cowboy-ing attraction -- but a once in a lifetime
riding experience through one of America's most spectacular forest
areas. Until recently, this area was known only to most rugged trappers
and explorers of yesteryear and out of reach to all but the hardiest
adventures of modern times. Now, Mater and his horseback adventure
company have solved the complex logistics of guided pack trips and
even brought a team of National Geographic writers and photographers
in to capture the Middle Fork of the Gila River, a deep canyon in
the heart of the forest -- the birthplace of Geronimo himself. U-Trail
The Gila Wilderness is a personalized guiding company, The types
of pack trips Mater offers are as varied as the terrain covered
along the way. Novice or intermediate riders and family groups may
enjoy the "Base Camp Ride-Outs," a leisurely-paced trip orchestrated
from a permanent base camp established in the heart of the wilderness.
Different rides are taken each day, through canyons and meadows,
stopping to swim or fish in clear creeks, and each day holds the
promise of a new adventure. Evenings are spent back in the base
camp for a hearty meal and conversation around the campfire. Customized
rides are available to cater to the preferences of each group. Or,
U-Trail standards include: "Progressive Pack Trips" that move the
base camp three times during a six day journey. Intermediate or
advanced riders my choose the "High Adventure Wilderness Ride" or
Mater's "Wild Wilderness Safari Ride", both rides involve packing
light and traveling swift and hard, and sleeping under the stars
the way the early trappers and cowboys explored the old West. The
Middle Fork of the Gila River is the crown jewel of the enchanted
forest. Mater has trademarked this ride "America's Hallmark Horseback
Adventure -- The Middle Fork." Embarking from Snow Lake, riders
traverse meadows and climb gentle canyon slopes, pass massive caves,
rock spirals and 1,500-foot cinnamon-colored canyon bluffs. On the
fifth day, the group climbs 1,000 feet out of the canyon to experience
some of the most exquisite scenery in the world and explore ancient
Indian Cliff Dwellings before descending back into the canyon.
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