Folks who know New Mexico know the Gila Wilderness. Located within the sprawling, history-laden Gila National Forest, this storied and wild land is truly the stuff from which dreams are made. For outdoors enthusiasts, seasoned hikers and campers, wildlife lovers, and just about anyone interested in the rich and wonderful places our state has to offer, the beauty, magic, and challenge of the Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness await.
Getting There
The Gila National Forest is located in the Southwest part of our enchanted state, between the towns of Silver City and Reserve. The area is nourished by the Gila River, flowing east through southern New Mexico and Arizona, emanating from the mountainous Black Range and emptying into the Colorado River near Yuma. Driving to this national forest is as easy as gassing up and heading south on I-25, past Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte, to the Hillsboro exit at mile marker 63. That part of the trip takes about two hours. From Hillsboro (which is also worth checking out; the town has a wonderful reputation as a haven for explorers), expedition leaders have a choice to make: it’s a 57-mile, hour-and-a-half drive to Silver City via NM 152. The road is narrow, twisting, and often mountainous, but the scenery is absolutely fantastic. On the other hand, it takes about two hours to drive 109 miles south into the desert, to Deming, and then north into the Black Range Mountains via New Mexico roads 26, 27, and 180. Either way, you’re bound to end up at the southern edge of the forest and its three wilderness areas — The Blue Range Wilderness Area, The Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area, and the expansive Gila Wilderness — in the scenic and friendly mining town of Silver City.
A Note on History and Pronunciation
According to the Forest Service, the word ‘Gila’ has its origin in the language of the Indigenous Yuma people, who referred to the river as ‘Hah-quah-sa-eel’, a phrase that means ‘running water which is salty’. Spanish explorers contracted the word into its present form, which is pronounced Hee-la. The Gila Wilderness is the largest federally-designated wilderness area in New Mexico. More than 100 years ago, the area was explored and documented by legendary American naturalist Aldo Leopold, who helped convince the US Government to put the land aside for future generations.
The National Forest
The Gila National Forest offers the best of New Mexico’s natural and recreational experiences. A short drive north from Silver City puts one in the heart of nearly 3 million acres of mountains, rivers, and forests. There are 139 developed recreation areas in the Gila National Forest, along with 30 developed campgrounds, seven picnic areas, and over 1600 miles of hiking trails in this National Forest. The most interesting and accessible attractions in the Gila include the Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and the Catwalk Recreation Area. The Cosmic Campground is one of only 14 certified dark sky sanctuaries on Earth, while the Gila Cliff Dwellings offer a unique vision of life among the ancient Mogollon people who once thrived along the river and in the mountains surrounding the National Forest.
The Wilderness
A quarter of the Gila National Forest comprises wilderness areas. If you’re up for an expansive experience in the wilds of America, the Gila Wilderness may well qualify for a transcendent time. Although hiking and camping in designated wilderness areas and backcountry campsites do not require a permit, we’ve always maintained that it’s a great idea to check in at the USDA Ranger stations in the area, including in Silver City, Reserve, Glenwood, and Truth or Consequences, before exploring the wilderness. Further, the Wilderness maintains a strict code of ethics which forbids the use of any mechanized vehicles (including bicycles) and includes a strict leave-no-trace visitation policy.
Go, Now!
Ultimately, the Gila offers us the wonders of nature: Birdwatching is at a premium, 300-plus species claim the wilderness as home; fishing and hunting are fruitful and varied according to season. Most importantly, a stunningly wide range of ecosystems from dry desert to sublime riparian valleys, hillsides filled with towering pines, and hidden fresh water hot springs are there, just waiting for you, over the next horizon.
Located within the sprawling, history-laden Gila National Forest, this storied and wild land is truly the stuff from which dreams are made.
A short drive north from Silver City puts one in the heart of nearly 3 million acres of mountains, rivers, and forests.