Leave No Trace

Have you ever spent a couple of hours hiking or riding to one of your favorite mountain views or secluded lake, only to find that someone else had left a mess there?  What a difference it would make if you arrived there to find it pristine and beautiful, just as you remembered it?  Learn how to disguise your presence and Leave No Trace.

Watching Wildlife

We've all had it happen. You look up from the trail just in time to see an animal dive out of sight - a swoop of wing, a flash of antler, a slap of beaver's tail.  Check out these tips for Watching Wildlife safely.

Dispersed Camping Ethics

Most forests including the Gila offer opportunities for dispersed camping throughout the forest.  You can stay almost anywhere in your tent or RV for up to 14 days.  Since there are no facilities or services, you are responsible to leave your camp as you found it.  Follow this link to Dispersed Camping Ethics for more about dispersed camping.

Be Bear Aware

The Gila National Forest has a resident population of black bears (ursus americanus).  These animals range in color from black to cinnamon brown and may even have a white blaze on the chest.  They weigh from 200 to 500 pounds and stand about 3 1/2 feet tall when standing on all four feet.  They are strong swimmers and good tree climbers.  The smell of food, garbage, fish and even cosmetics will attract them to you.

Before you travel in bear country, take a few minutes to educate yourself on bears and co-existing with them safely.  The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has a publication "Keeping Bears Alive and Yourself Safe."  Check out Be Bear Aware for tips on hiking and camping in bear country.

Canine Campers

The Gila National Forest is very dog friendly.  Dogs are welcome in all campgrounds, picnic areas and on most trails.  The few rules that apply to dogs are meant to assure that you and other National Forest visitors have an enjoyable outdoor recreation experience.

Horse Sense

If you are an experienced packer you are probably tempted to skip this section and just load up and go. Each two legged mammal has the responsibility for their 4 legged animals to minimize the impact we leave on the land. Since more people visit the backcountry every year, please take a few moments to review a few simple ways to lower your impact with stock and leave the land better than when you found it.
 
 

Flash Flooding

Summer in New Mexico brings rain.  July and August are traditionally the months with the most rain, sometimes producing flash floods.  The mountains of the Gila National Forest can catch and channel large quantities of water down tiny little streams or dry wash beds in a matter of seconds turning them into raging floods that sweep away everything in their path.  Do you know what to do in case of a flash flood?  Read More.