Visiting The Gila National Forest: Best time to visit, Things to do & More
The Gila National Forest is comprised of 3.3 Million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains and wide spread range land. It is best known for its wilderness areas, Aldo Leopold Wilderness, named after history's most influential conservationists who proposed and implemented the new idea to preserve large areas of wild country, the first being the Gila Wilderness in 1924. 500,000 acres of mountains, rivers and desert surrounding the Gila River established as the first designated wilderness in the United States.
Read more on Aldo Leopold here
Where to Start:
The Gila Notional Forest is located in the southwest corner of New Mexico and is a rugged high altitude desert with a variety of landscapes. If you are located anywhere in the western part of the United States, driving is a great option which also has the added benefits of being able to car camp, or bring the gear you need for the trip.
If you do decide to fly, Tucson is your closest city about 3.5 hours away, otherwise Albuquerque is about 4.5 hours away. Here are the distances from other major cities.
Denver: 10h
Los Angeles: 10h
Phoenix: 4h 45m
Dallas: 11h
Salt Lake City: 12h
When is the best time to Visit the Gila National Forest?
The Gila National Forest is open year round, and the conditions for a visit are pretty great throughout the whole year. Although the most beautiful times of the year in the Gila are spring and late summer. In spring, snowmelt provides enough moisture to fill the rivers and start the spring blooms! In late summer, it is warm and the vegetation is still green following the end of summer rainfall season.
Spring Season: April - June
Late Summer season: September - October
WHAT Does THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST have to offer?
The Gila National Forest and surrounding areas offers so much, especially if you are willing to get off the beaten path. From Hiking, Camping and Biking, to historical preservation sites you can easily fill a weekend or a week long trip in this area. Here are my Top 3 suggestions whether you are stopping through or staying for a long weekend.
1.Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Stop and explore the Cliff Dwellings. Located an hour and a half drive north from Silver City, these cliff dwellings are super close to any of the trailheads you will be headed to during your stay. Visiting the dwelling can take you under 30 minutes if you are in a rush so there is no reason to miss this spot. The dwellings are easy to find by following the signs or typing “Gila Cliff Dwellings” into your map. Upon arrival, park and take the short climb/hike up to the cliff dwellings and be immediately transported back over 700 years to the time of the Mogollon People.
As a brief History: People of the Mogollon Culture constructed and inhabited the cliff dwellings between the late 1270s and 1300. The Mogollon were hunter gatherers who also incorporated farming into their daily lives. Their farms were on the mesa tops along the banks of the west form of the Gila River.
2. Hot Springs
Light Feather Hot Springs: This will be one of the warmest hot springs in the area with boiling hot water coming straight out of the mountain. Park at Middle Fork Trail no.157 and hike just under 1 mile on the clearly marked trail until you reach the hot springs. They will be on your left. You will have 2 river crossings on your hike out so prepare to get your feet wet. Also please be careful and do not touch the water coming out of the mountain as it will burn you. There are a couple different pools with different amounts of river water coming in to make it an enjoyable temp.
Jordan Hot Springs: This hike is quite a bit longer and is good for a long day hike or for an overnight hike as well. You will park at the same trail head, Middle Fork Trail no. 157 and hike past Lightfeather hot springs. This hike is just over 7 miles one way. 14 round trip. Be prepared to cross the river over 15 times during your journey which is one of my favorite parts about hiking through this canyon. You’ll know that you have reached the spot because there is a pretty big designated camping area on your left and there will be water coming down from the mountain to your right. You will have to climb up to the right a bit before reaching the Jordan Hot Springs Pool.
Gila Hot Springs Ranch: If you are looking for a spot to Camp, park your camper, or rent a cabin this will be your spot. You will be able to reach a couple different hot springs from this site as well, including the two listed above. See the CampGrounds visitors center upon arriving for local tips on reaching each of these springs.
Note* Please be respective and observe LNT principles and hike out all of your trash and Toilet Paper. See the 7 Principles of LNT here.
3. Silver City
Silver City is an eclectic little town closest to Gila National Forest and will be your best spot for food, supplies and anything you need before heading into the backcountry. The town also has a bunch of wonderful Airbnbs so you could stay in town and head up to the NF for day hikes if that is more your style.
Gila Hike & Bike: A necessary stop for anyone passing through Silver City. This is your one stop shop for all things hiking, backpacking & cycling. They are the kindest people and will be able to assist you with any questions you have or supplies you need.
Los Victor's Mexican Cuisine: A delicious Mexican Restaurant with killer food and free chips!
Coffee Spots: Javalina Coffee House, Birdwell’s Vintage Vibes & Tranquil Buzz Coffee house would be my top three spots in Silver City for Coffee.
The Gila National Forest is one of my favorite places in the Southwest, and there enough to see and do that it’s well worth the trip or a stop during your Southwest Road trip. If you have any questions about it, be sure to let me know! I am more than happy to help however I can.
