Gila Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in southwestern New Mexico, US.
The Gila Wilderness encompasses 558,014 acres of mountainous terrain, containing three forks of the Gila River and elevations ranging from 4,850 to 10,895 feet.
The United States Forest Service designated Gila as the first protected wilderness area in 1924, following conservationist Aldo Leopold's proposal to preserve the Gila River headwaters.
The Mimbres people, part of the Mogollon culture, constructed cliff dwellings and settlements throughout the area between 1000 and 1130, followed by Chiricahua Apache inhabitants.
Visitors access over 600 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and camping, with the lower elevations remaining accessible throughout all four seasons.
The wilderness serves as a refuge for the Mexican wolf reintroduction program, which began in 1988 to restore the endangered species to its native habitat.
Location: New Mexico
Operator: US Forest Service
GPS coordinates: 33.23333,-108.26667
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:39
New Mexico combines natural formations and historical sites. The region includes caves, desert landscapes, volcanic areas, pueblo settlements, and military forts. The territory features geological structures, archaeological sites, hot springs, and museums.
The Lightning Field
143.6 km
Mogollon
52.7 km
Fort Bayard
49.9 km
Apache National Forest
85.4 km
Fort Bayard National Cemetery
49.5 km
L.C. Ranch Headquarters
41.9 km
Whitewater Creek
58.4 km
Silver City Woman's Club
50.1 km
Fleming Hall
50.9 km
Silver City Historic District
51.4 km
Bullard Hotel
51.6 km
Silver City Water Works Building
50.1 km
Bowden Hall
51 km
Mogollon Baldy Lookout Cabin
30.8 km
H. B. Ailman House
51.6 km
Hillsboro Peak Lookout Tower and Cabin
55.2 km
San Lorenzo Historic District
57.2 km
Light Hall
50.9 km
Chihuahua Hill Historic District
51.9 km
Ritch Hall
50.9 km
Graham Gymnasium
50.9 km
Silver CIty Museum
51.6 km
Cosmic Campground
66.9 km
Gila Cliff Dwellings Bookstore Western National Parks Association
470 m
Western New Mexico University Museum
50.8 km
Mimbres Heritage Cultural Center
51.9 km
Mogollon Baldy Lookout
30.8 km
St. Mary's Academy Historic District
50.1 kmReviews
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