Gila Wilderness

Overlooks along NM15 feature dramatic views of the Gila Wilderness, such as this panorama near the Heart Bar Wildlife Management Area.

NPS Photo

 

While the overlooks are beautiful, a hike through canyons like the West Fork, shown here, offer spectacular glimpses from a much more intimate vantage point.

NPS Photo

Go Wild

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is situated in the heart of the picturesque Gila Wilderness. This almost 560,000-acre wilderness was the first federally designated wilderness area in the world. Created in 1924 through an effort led largely by Aldo Leopold, who is often considered the father of conservation, the Gila is the largest wilderness in New Mexico. It predates the Wilderness Act by over 4 decades. As such, the Gila Wilderness contains features not found in other wilderness areas. Examples of this are remnants of old wagon/Jeep trails and cabins left behind from 19^th century settlements, ranching and mining activities.

The Gila Wilderness boasts hundreds of miles of hiking and equestrian trails which pass through dramatic scenery made by mountains, mesas, rivers and canyons. The lush vegetation of the Gila National Forest meets stretches of desert, grassland and rocky cliffs to create an experience that leaves no one questioning why New Mexico is considered the “Land of Enchantment.”