want to hike east of silver city in october.

proposed loop route:
start at emory pass and take #79 north to hillsboro peak and catch #117
take #117 to granite peak, to east curtis spring to #116
hike #116 to #114
take #114 westerly to #120
hike #120 to #79 near mcknight cabin
take #79 south to #129
take #129 to #128
hike #128 to #130 east railroad canyon trail
hike #130 to #412
hike #412 to #79
take #79 south to emory pass to complete a loop

questions:
1. where will we find water? or am i dreaming...
2. has this part of the wilderness been burned this year?
3. none of the trails i noted seem to be closed, am i wrong?
4. how would you change my path, and why?
5. what sites can i not afford to miss?
6. which sites are hype and can be skipped?
7. are there any particularly great plans to spend the night?
8. any large animal warnings worth noting and preparing for?

I'm clearly asking for a lot, but only because I know yawl know a lot. Please share your wisdom!

Q

You are talking the Aldo Leopold ("Black Range") and it escaped burning except for a little bit at the base of McKnight (was there when it happened due to lightening in fact). Had a buddy backpack the entire spine and the one thing that stood out was going downhill to get water at every camp (carry an entire days worth with you). The rainy season was a little light, so call the Ranger district. I'd plan lunch at the top of Hillsboro peak at the beginning.

Thank you.

It is nice to know it hasn't burned. I arrived at Ruidoso the day their fire started - arrrrg.

Carrying water is ok with me since all the hikes in Tx require that you carry water...

Hillsboro will be on my list!!

Q