It was in New Mexico 75 years ago that three-quarters of a million acres of mountains, rivers and desert officially became the Gila Wilderness, the world’s first officially protected wilderness area, thanks to Aldo Leopold.
The Gila is a remote land, one of extreme contrasts with low deserts, expansive grasslands, and high forest covered mountains. Romance, peace, danger, challenge, and joy are all encountered here. Ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs tell stories of the Pueblo peoples. The hills and valleys speak of Apache ambushes and U.S. Cavalry marches, and while all have been drawn to the abundance of natural resources over the centuries, it is sparsely settled.
The land conveys the sense that most human cares are secondary. The wanderings of the elk herds, the leaps of antelope, the moist cool wind preceding a thunder storm, a mountain lion’s solitary hunt or soft snow falling on a forgotten outlaw’s grave support this. For visitors and inhabitants alike the Gila offers a relationship with nature and history found in very few places on earth.
For visitors and locals alike, the Gila offers a relationship with nature and history found in very few places on earth.
***
Outfitters & Guides
Joe Saenz – Horseback Outfitter & Guide: Join Joe Saenz, an amazing Apache guide on an interpretive horseback trip through the Gila, exploring ancient Native American sites and
abundant wildlife.
Joe Kenneally – Backcountry Guide: Joe Kenneally knows the Gila Wilderness like few others and will pack you into the heart of it in authentic but stylish ‘mountain man’ backcountry style.
Leah Gray Jones–Gila Wilderness Ventures: Here is a horseback trip packed with fun for everyone, from the novice to the accomplished rider. Join Leah Gray Jones for the best adventure you’ll ever have!
Gila Area EcoTourism Providers/Partners
Eco-Adventures
Astronomy
Birding
- Gila River Bird Habitat Area
- Cherry Creek and McMillan Campgrounds
- Bear Mountain Lodge
Ghost Towns
Day Spas
- Datura Therapeutic Day Spa
- La Cienga Spa & Salon
Lodging
Outfitters
- Apache WolfHorse Outfitters
- Gila Backcountry Services
- Gila Hot Springs Ranch
- Gila Wilderness Expeditions
- Great West Trail
Natural Areas
- Bear Canyon Lake
- Bill Evans Lake (PDF)
- Catwalk National Scenic Trail
- City of Rocks State Park
- Gila Cliff Dwellings
- Gila National Forest
- Lake Roberts
- Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway
Conservation/Cultural Preservation
- Continental Divide Trail Alliance
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
- Fort Bayard
- New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
- The Silver City Museum
- The Wilderness Society
- The WNMU Museum and Mimbres Pottery Collection
- Mimbres Heritage Cultural Site
Voluntourism Opportunities
- Continental Divide Trail Alliance
- Gila Conservation Coalition
- New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
- Mimbres Heritage Cultural Site
- Rio Grande Restoration
- Southwest Environmental Center