Welcome to the Gila National Forest
Welcome to Adventure
Visit dark sky parks, canyon catwalks, cave dwellings, majestic mountain scenery and experience the adventure you've been missing!
With over three million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains and range land. It is probably best known for its wilderness areas, in particular the Gila Wilderness - the first wilderness in the United States. The magnificent mountain scenery, cool summer temperatures and relatively warm winters permit a wide range of recreational opportunities during all seasons.
Fire Information
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Black Fire
Evacuation information. The Black Fire is located 24 miles north of Mimbres in a wilderness area on the Gila National Forest.
- New Mexico Fire Information
- Gila National Forest Facebook and Twitter
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Closures and Fire Restrictions
The Gila National Forest terminated Stage I and Stage II Fire Restrictions June 24 at 8:00 a.m., for areas not closed due to the Black Fire.
Preparing for Your Visit to the Gila National Forest
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Special Places
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Find Your Way
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Passes & Permits
Discover More About the Gila National Forest
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Caring for the Land
Learn more about how the Gila National Forest is managed and cared for, including travel management, grazing management and annual operating instructions (AOIs), forest planning, assessments, and projects, including the Luna Restoration Project.
Features
A Path through the Wilderness: The Story of Forest Road 150

Imagine the world in 1875. The Civil War has been over for five years. The normal mode of transportation in southern New Mexico is either horseback, or a horse-drawn wagon. Black cavalry and infantry troops, known as Buffalo Soldiers, were sent to the American West to take part in the Indian wars and the protection of settlers.