The Grand Gila Wilderness
Located in Southwest New Mexico
Majestic . . . unbelievable vastness . . . sheer beauty . . . ever changing landscapes . . . Apache & settler history . . . hidden Cliff Dwellings . . . abundant wildlife . . . helps describe America's first wilderness designated area. Designated in 1924, the Gila Wilderness became the model for wilderness areas for the entire world.
Aldo Leopold the founder of the wilderness idea, defined wilderness areas as large enough to conduct a two-week horseback pack trip. Wilderness areas are accessible only by horse or foot. No roads, no motorized vehicles and no mechanical equipment.
The Gila Wilderness became the world's first wilderness pack trip destination. And what a wilderness experience the Gila has to offer…
Deep, Awe-Inspiring Canyons . . . riding the Middle Fork of the Gila River with it's twisting, constantly changing canyon walls, becomes the experience of a lifetime. Deep pockets of running water. Hoodoos of myriad shapes. Lunch break is along a narrow part of the river, with waterfalls and deep swimming holes. Enjoy different looks and scenery on the return trip.
Rolling Top Country . . . climbing out of the Middle Fork onto the Gila's top country, see the absolute splendor of the Middle Fork canyon walls from the top. Jagged cliff lines, benches, spiral columns of rock - it's a picture perfect wilderness moment! Riding over rolling terrain has great opportunities to observe elk, deer or bear. Our lunch break destination is a late 1800s homestead cabin, with a running spring. Horses and riders take a refreshing break in this pristine landscape.
Remote Cliff Dwellings . . . upstream from our base camp, we park the horses and make a short climb to a hidden and well-preserved Cliff Dwelling. It's a remarkable site and looks like it was built yesterday, even though it is around 1000 years old. Questions abound as to how these humans make an existence here in this rough country. An inspiring day adventure.
Apache & Settler History . . . the Gila is the birthplace of Geronimo -- some written accounts claim the canyon we have our camp, is the very canyon Geronimo grew up. It's interesting to consider, riding the same trails and covering the same country the Apaches used. Tough and brave homesteaders made an existence in the Gila, by raising sheep, trapping and hunting. See some of homestead ruins and their gravesites along the way. An excellent reminder on how our forefathers lived and endured to make America possible.
Abundant Wildlife . . . some evenings, elk come on down to the lush canyon below to graze and drink with our horses. Always good chances to see elk, mule deer, bear, and bobcats. Plus, many species of birdlife. Along the Middle Fork, at our lunch destination, a majestic Bald Eagle makes his home. The native Gila trout exists along the canyon we camp — Browns and Rainbows thrive along the Middle Fork River. A memorable fishing and riding experience.
Five day trips are standard, we offer shorter and longer trips, please inquire. Plus high adventure rides, where we cover more top country, with lighter gear. Family trips are our specialty. Gila Wilderness trips run from May thru Oct. Elevations around 7500'.
Diverse Fauna and Flora
The Gila's southern location and abundant moisture creates a remarkable collection of rare Fauna & Flora.
Camp . . . is deluxe and comfortable with wall tents and cots. Lance our resident chef, brews up outstanding home cooked meals that are just a delight. Special diet restrictions are no problem. Hot showers and private toilet. Riding horses are experienced, safe, personable, and easy to handle.
PRICE PER DAY $185.00, PLUS 8.5% TAX [ 2012 Schedule ] [ Things to Bring ]
Aldo Leopold the founder of the wilderness idea, defined wilderness areas as large enough to conduct a two-week horseback pack trip. Wilderness areas are accessible only by horse or foot. No roads, no motorized vehicles and no mechanical equipment.
The Gila Wilderness became the world's first wilderness pack trip destination. And what a wilderness experience the Gila has to offer…
Deep, Awe-Inspiring Canyons . . . riding the Middle Fork of the Gila River with it's twisting, constantly changing canyon walls, becomes the experience of a lifetime. Deep pockets of running water. Hoodoos of myriad shapes. Lunch break is along a narrow part of the river, with waterfalls and deep swimming holes. Enjoy different looks and scenery on the return trip.
Rolling Top Country . . . climbing out of the Middle Fork onto the Gila's top country, see the absolute splendor of the Middle Fork canyon walls from the top. Jagged cliff lines, benches, spiral columns of rock - it's a picture perfect wilderness moment! Riding over rolling terrain has great opportunities to observe elk, deer or bear. Our lunch break destination is a late 1800s homestead cabin, with a running spring. Horses and riders take a refreshing break in this pristine landscape.
Remote Cliff Dwellings . . . upstream from our base camp, we park the horses and make a short climb to a hidden and well-preserved Cliff Dwelling. It's a remarkable site and looks like it was built yesterday, even though it is around 1000 years old. Questions abound as to how these humans make an existence here in this rough country. An inspiring day adventure.
Apache & Settler History . . . the Gila is the birthplace of Geronimo -- some written accounts claim the canyon we have our camp, is the very canyon Geronimo grew up. It's interesting to consider, riding the same trails and covering the same country the Apaches used. Tough and brave homesteaders made an existence in the Gila, by raising sheep, trapping and hunting. See some of homestead ruins and their gravesites along the way. An excellent reminder on how our forefathers lived and endured to make America possible.
Abundant Wildlife . . . some evenings, elk come on down to the lush canyon below to graze and drink with our horses. Always good chances to see elk, mule deer, bear, and bobcats. Plus, many species of birdlife. Along the Middle Fork, at our lunch destination, a majestic Bald Eagle makes his home. The native Gila trout exists along the canyon we camp — Browns and Rainbows thrive along the Middle Fork River. A memorable fishing and riding experience.
Five day trips are standard, we offer shorter and longer trips, please inquire. Plus high adventure rides, where we cover more top country, with lighter gear. Family trips are our specialty. Gila Wilderness trips run from May thru Oct. Elevations around 7500'.
Diverse Fauna and Flora
The Gila's southern location and abundant moisture creates a remarkable collection of rare Fauna & Flora.
Camp . . . is deluxe and comfortable with wall tents and cots. Lance our resident chef, brews up outstanding home cooked meals that are just a delight. Special diet restrictions are no problem. Hot showers and private toilet. Riding horses are experienced, safe, personable, and easy to handle.
PRICE PER DAY $185.00, PLUS 8.5% TAX [ 2012 Schedule ] [ Things to Bring ]
For more Pack Trip photos visit Photo Bucket | Read Guest Comments . . .
New Mexico Magazine
Into The Wild: The Gila on Horseback [ Open Article PDF ]
Into The Wild: The Gila on Horseback [ Open Article PDF ]
