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

• 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

  InciWeb Updates

• Closures and Fire Restrictions

  

  The Gila National Forest has closed the Wilderness Districts surrounding the Black Fire.  Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect across the remaining forest. 

  Restriction Orders and Maps Be Prepared

Preparing for Your Visit to the Gila National Forest

• Special Places

  

  Destinations

• Find Your Way

  

  Maps and Brochures

• Passes & Permits

  

  Permits

Discover More About the Gila National Forest

• 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.

  Caring for the LandGrazing Management

Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) Seeks Proposals for Project Funding

The Southern New Mexico Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) has issued a call for proposals for Title II Special Projects on Federal Lands under the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. The deadline to submit project proposal packets is 5:00 p.m. June 03, 2022.

The primary location for projects is intended to be on federal lands, including the Gila National Forest (all Districts), the Lincoln National Forest (Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts), and the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. However, projects can be on non-federal lands within Catron, Grant, Lincoln, Otero, Sierra, or Socorro counties, where projects would benefit resources or people using a national forest. Learn more on how to submit your proposal to the Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee for potential funding.