Gila National Forest, National forest in southwestern New Mexico, US
The Gila National Forest is a vast forest area in southwestern New Mexico covering diverse landscapes and terrain. It stretches from desert regions to mountain peaks above 10,000 feet, carved by rivers and dotted with canyons and woodland.
The area was home to the Mogollon people, who built cliff dwellings here until the 13th century. The forest was established as a protected area in 1905 to safeguard these lands.
Apache peoples, especially the Chiricahua, shaped this land through hunting and gathering practices that lasted generations. Today you can still sense this connection when walking through the forest's remote canyons and grasslands.
The forest has numerous campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails spread throughout for different ability levels. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for exploration, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
A section of the forest was designated in 1924 as the world's first protected wilderness area and remains a model for conservation worldwide. This area is known for its pristine condition, where visitors encounter completely remote and undeveloped terrain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
