Little Walnut Picnic Area
A serene day-use picnic area in the Gila National Forest, perfect for outdoor meals, bird watching, and accessing hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool breezes, pleasant temperatures
Little Walnut Picnic Area
Best Time
Cool breezes, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene day-use picnic area in the Gila National Forest, perfect for outdoor meals, bird watching, and accessing hiking trails.
"Nice shady high-elevation picnic ground with clean albeit non-plumbed restroom facilities."
Bring Your Own Charcoal
Grills are available, but you'll need to bring your own charcoal for cooking. 🔥
No Running Water
Restrooms are clean but non-plumbed. Bring your own water for drinking and cleaning. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 48 reviews
Type
Picnic Ground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shady Picnic Spots
Find a cool, shaded spot to enjoy your meal amidst the Gila National Forest. Perfect for a relaxing outdoor dining experience.
Gila National Forest Access
A convenient gateway to the Gila National Forest, offering easy access for a quick nature escape without a long drive.
Bird Watching Haven
Keep an eye out for local avian life in this lovely setting, a treat for nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Trails to the CDT
Connect to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) from here for a scenic hike, offering a chance to explore further into the wilderness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Day Use Only, No Camping
Grill & Relax
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Charcoal
Grills are available, but you'll need to bring your own charcoal for cooking. 🔥
No Running Water
Restrooms are clean but non-plumbed. Bring your own water for drinking and cleaning. :droplet:
Good Cell Service
Major carriers offer 4G data connectivity, so you can stay connected if needed. :iphone:
Explore the Trails
Trails connect to the CDT, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Charcoal
Grills are available, but you'll need to bring your own charcoal for cooking. 🔥
No Running Water
Restrooms are clean but non-plumbed. Bring your own water for drinking and cleaning. :droplet:
Good Cell Service
Major carriers offer 4G data connectivity, so you can stay connected if needed. :iphone:
Explore the Trails
Trails connect to the CDT, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings. :hiking_boot:
Family-Friendly Fun
Great spot for birthday parties or family gatherings, with affordable group area pricing. :party_popper:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Little Walnut Picnic Area for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere and convenient access to the Gila National Forest. It's a lovely spot for picnics, bird watching, and connecting to hiking trails. The main drawback is the lack of running water, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient.
"Nice little spot to bring a meal to eat outdoors. A small corner of the Gila National Forest, easily accessed for those times when a longer trip up the 15 through Pinos Altos would not be practical. Day use only, no camping. Peaceful and generally quiet, not crowded."
Phoenix M
"Such a nice shady high-elevation picnic ground with clean albeit non-plumbed restroom facilities. Trails connect to the CDT from here. Families & anyone can enjoy time out here grilling -- bring charcoal! -- or just sitting reading a book in the cool spring & warm summer breezes. There is 4G data connectivity out here for major carriers."
Otto Khera
"Had my nieces birthday party here. Prices for the group areas are good. But having running water or some sort of water system would really have made it more convenient."
xJaxyx
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Walnut Picnic Area is located in the Gila National Forest, easily accessed for those times when a longer trip up the 15 through Pinos Altos would not be practical. It's a convenient spot for a quick nature escape.
Yes, it's described as easily accessed, making it a practical choice for a day trip into the Gila National Forest.
While specific road conditions aren't detailed, its accessibility suggests it's generally well-maintained for day-use visitors.
Public transport options are not mentioned, so it's likely best accessed by private vehicle.
Parking is available, as it's a designated picnic area designed for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The area is described as having good prices for group areas, implying there might be a fee, especially for group use. Day use is generally free for smaller groups.
It is a day-use area only, meaning it's open during daylight hours and not for overnight stays.
While group area pricing is mentioned, specific reservation details are not provided. It's advisable to check with the Gila National Forest service for group reservations.
Information on individual entrance fees is not explicitly stated, but it's generally a low-cost or free day-use area for smaller parties.
The primary restriction is that it is day-use only, with no camping permitted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Amenities include clean, non-plumbed restroom facilities and picnic tables. Grills are available, but you must bring your own charcoal.
No, there is no running water available at the restroom facilities. Visitors should bring their own water.
Yes, grills are available for public use, but remember to bring your own charcoal.
Absolutely! Trails connect from the picnic area to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), offering great hiking opportunities.
Reviews suggest it is generally quiet and not crowded, making it a peaceful spot for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The shady picnic spots, surrounding Gila National Forest scenery, and the trails connecting to the CDT offer picturesque opportunities. Bird watching also provides great photo subjects.
Morning and late afternoon light would be ideal, especially during spring and summer, to capture the beauty of the high-elevation setting.
You can photograph landscapes of the Gila National Forest, flora and fauna (especially birds), and people enjoying the picnic facilities.
Drone usage regulations can vary within National Forests. It's best to check with the Gila National Forest service for specific rules regarding drone operation.
The connection to the Continental Divide Trail and the serene, shaded picnic spots are unique visual elements.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit