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, 
wolf 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.