The Gila River

By the 21st Century, you might think that every magical, special, ecologically-intact spot on this planet would long since be on the tourist trail, and maybe even find itself over-developed. Somehow, though, the mountains, streams and wildlife that make up the Gila ("hee-la") are still here to be explored, loved and protected. The Gila River carves its way 650 miles through America's first designated wilderness area. Hikers share backcountry with mountain lions, fox and lizards, coyotes, hawks, elk and bears. And the human past shouts its history in pictographs, cliff dwellings, and historic ranches.

Those who explore the Gila River's wilderness watershed know that the largely wild flow of the Gila River is literally the lifeblood of this national treasure, and must be preserved for all time.

And, indeed, vigilance is needed. The Gila River continues to be threatened by water development projects. With good planning and citizen involvement, New Mexico's last wild river can be a magical and healthy ecosystem for our children to enjoy for generations to come. Read more.