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Welcome to Adventure
Visit dark sky parks, canyon catwalks, cave dwellings, majestic mountain scenery and experience the adventure you've been missing!
Sunrise from Emory Pass. Courtesy photo by James Apodaca.
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.
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.
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2023 Prescribed Fire Review
District Fire Management Officer Aaron Jones explains the recent prescribed fires on the Gila National Forest and how the Forest Service helps to manage the land.
Recent News
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McKenna Mesa fuelwood available to gather by permit
Release Date: Jun 5, 2023
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Pass Fire Update for June 5, 2023
Release Date: Jun 5, 2023
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Pass Fire Continues to Help Achieve Forest Health
Release Date: May 31, 2023
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Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District preparing for prescribed fire
Release Date: May 30, 2023
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Pass Fire update for May 28
Release Date: May 30, 2023
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Gila National Forest limits length of stay
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Features
A Path through the Wilderness: The Story of Forest Road 150

Imagine the world in 1875. The Civil War has been over for ten 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.