Gila Wilderness Area
The 559,688-acre Gila Wilderness, created in June 1924 at the urging of the great conservation pioneer Aldo Leopold, was the world's first designated wilderness and also New Mexico's largest wilderness.
“The richest values of wilderness lie not in the days of Daniel Boone, nor even in the present, but rather in the future.” ~ Aldo Leopold
General Information
The Gila River flows through the heart of the Gila Wilderness bringing water to a desert landscape. The deeply incised river corridor is known for its vertical cliffs, cathedral spires, and visible remnants of past cultural use. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gila Wilderness, the 100-mile Centennial Loop was designated in 2024.
Passes & Permits
No passes are required for use. Permits are required for organized groups entering the Gila Wilderness.
Rentals & Guides
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.
Complexes
The Gila Cliff Dwellings and the road to it offer a variety of recreation sites and access points for enjoying the Gila Wilderness landscape.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a National Park Service managed area that is surrounded by the Gila National Forest.
Interagency visitor center managed by the National Park Service and Gila National Forest providing information regarding the Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Gila Wild
Trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument parking lot for West Fork Shortcut Trail #151A used for hiker access to the West Fork Trail #151 and also EE Ca
Trailhead in the Gila Cliff Dwellings area for Middle Fork Trail #157.
Trailhead near the Gila Cliff Dwellings for Little Bear Trail #729, also providing access to the southeast end of West Fork Trail #151.
Trailhead at Woody's Corral near the Gila Cliff Dwellings for Granny Mountain - Trail #160 and access to the Gila Wilderness.
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River.
Trailhead parking next to Grapevine Campground for access to the eastern end of Gila River Trail #724.
Recreation Sites
74 Mountain #153 Trailhead
Aeroplane Mesa #705 Trailhead
Alum Camp #788 Trailhead
Bead Springs #138 Trailhead
Brannon Park #700 Trailhead
Crest #182 Trailhead
Deloche #179 Trailhead
Flying V #706 Trailhead
Forks Campground
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument