Thanks to Aldo Leopold, the Gila was designated America's first wilderness in 1924. It is accessible only by simple mountain trails once traveled by prospectors, Apaches and cavalrymen.

Infamous historical figures abound in this region. Geronimo's last stronghold was in Teepee Canyon in the southwestern part of the Wilderness. Centuries ago the Gila was inhabited by cliff dwellers who left us a well-preserved example of their lives at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

The Gila is home to a great variety of wildlife including elk, deer, bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, fox, wol,f and bighorn sheep. A large assortment of birds, as well as countless butterflies, inhabit the Gila. What a wonderful place to explore the endless array of trees, plants and wildflowers.

One more claim to fame for the Gila is the dark night sky. You will see the most brilliant star show possible. Reach for one of those stars! Come visit the Gila Wilderness.