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!
Sunrise from Emory Pass. Courtesy photo by James Apodaca.
The Gila National Forest has 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.
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Celebrating Wilderness at its Birthplace
The Gila Wilderness is turning 100 in 2024. Learn about special events for the birthday of the nation's oldest wilderness.
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Job Corps Pilot Program
Watch a video about the Gila National Forest's new pilot program where Job Corps students rebuilt rural workforce housing in need of repair.
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
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New Mexico Enchantment Pass
Plan your adventures and save money! The new Enchantment Pass offers access to dozens of New Mexico National Forests’ recreation areas for one low annual fee of $40.
Get Involved with 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.
Recent News
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Gila National Forest adjusts recreational fees at select facilities
Release Date: Mar 18, 2024
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Celebrate 100 years of the Gila Wilderness at Mogollon Cemetery
Release Date: Mar 15, 2024
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.