Gila Wilderness
America's first designated wilderness — 558,000 acres of ponderosa mesa, hot springs, and canyon river.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Gila Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Mexico, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Mixed conifer canyon (1,700–3,300 m)
- Best season
- April – May, September – October
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hot Springs
Key takeaways
- Biome: Mixed conifer canyon (1,700–3,300 m)
- Best season: April – May, September – October
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
America's first designated wilderness — 558,000 acres of ponderosa mesa, hot springs, and canyon river.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: April – May, September – October
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Mixed conifer canyon (1,700–3,300 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Plan with verified data
Gila Wilderness trip tools
Popular pursuits at Gila Wilderness
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
