| The 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest, in the mountains of southwestern New Mexico, offers the diversity of rugged mountains, deep canyons, meadows, and semi desert country. Elevations range from 4,200 to 10,900 feet and cover four of the six life zones. Ocotillo and cactus are found in the lower elevations, and juniper, pine, aspen, and spruce-fir forests are plentiful in the high mountains.The San Francisco, Gila, and Mimbres Rivers; the catwalk in Whitewater Canyon; Pueblo Park Campground; Gila Cliff Dwellings; and the Burro Mountains are among the many areas in the Gila. Other areas of interest include Cooney's Tomb, El Caso Lookout Tower, Beaverhead, Reed's Peak, Frisco Hot Springs, and Cherry Creek. Scenic Drives include the Black Range Highway and State Highways 15, 35, 150, and 159.Whitewater Canyon, site of the famous Catwalk National Recreation Trail, was a central point in the mining saga of southwestern New Mexico. The Catwalk is a unique trail, with suspended walkways winding up a narrow canyon. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of the people of the Mogollon culture.The Gila, Aldo Leopold, and Blue Range Wildernesses offer hiking and horseback riding. Diverse recreational opportunities can be enjoyed during all seasons. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails within the Gila National Forest, a number of interpretive trails, picnic grounds, primitive, and developed camping grounds. Fish are found in perennial creeks and rivers as well as in manmade lakes. The latitude of the forest as well as the elevation and terrain permits maximum enjoyment of the forest during any season. |
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