Somehow the Gila region of Southwest New Mexico has remained something of a secret. Perhaps it’s because it doesn’t border any interstate freeways. Maybe it’s because getting here isn’t so easy – one way or another, you’ll probably have to cross a mountain range or two. But that just means more incredibly varied wilderness beauty for you and yours!
Probably the first thing to know about experiencing the Gila is that Southwest New Mexico, where the Gila’s headwaters head generally West, is more geographically connected to Tucson , AZ and El Paso, TX than it is to Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Taos, the places most visitors think of when they envision New Mexico. Of course, you can get to the Gila from anywhere, this being the 21st Century, but if your time is limited and you’re coming from far off, you might consider flying into Tucson or El Paso. Public transportation is available from Tucson via Greyhound and a regional bus service called Corre Caminos (tel: 1-866-934-3866 or 505-388-3180). Corre Caminos will get you to Silver City (the gateway to the Gila) from Lordsburg, New Mexico, where Greyhound drops you off. Or you can rent a car in Tucson, of course. From El Paso, the Las Cruces Shuttle (800-288-1784) can transport you from the El Paso International Airport to Silver City. Or thumb a ride!
Civilization Around the Gila
Silver City: Known for the place where Billy the Kid got his criminal start, this historic and increasingly artsy town has bed and breakfasts, fine dining, galleries, an amazing museum full of Mimbreno pottery at Western New Mexico University, and enough surrounding history to satisfy everyone from students of Apache culture to American military history enthusiasts. You can return to Silver City (or nearby historic Pinos Altos) after exploring the Gila and know you will be both comfortable and surrounded by friendly people. Silver City also features two bike shops (Gila Hike and Bike or Twin Sisters Cycling and Fitness), for those who want to explore the Gila by road bike or mountain bike. A good leap-off place for Silver City information is http://www.collectorsguide.com/nm/sc/scall.html.
Types of Gila Exploration
So much depends of how much time you have and how much you want to use the ol’ legs. In exploring the Gila region, we are, after all, talking about a wilderness ecosystem. The fact is, on a one-day hike, you can dwarf yourself amidst towering ponderosa pines, dip in the Gila River, or experience desert birds and cacti. And if you have multiple days, you can experience all of these and more. If you’re not so mobile or have young children, don’t despair: near the ghost town of Mogollon (itself worth a visit), there is a famous catwalk full of breath-taking views. And the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, in the heart of the Gila watershed, is under two miles start to finish.
But we’re not going to give away all of the Gila’s secrets here. Visit the Forest Service offices in Silver City (tel: (505) 388-8201), get yourself some maps, and have at it. The whole fun of it is you’ve got to discover the Gila for yourself! Maybe you’ll find a favorite swimming hole, or a killer fishing spot. Make it your own Gila, and help us preserve it by becoming a GCC member.
Guided or Unguided?
Because so much of the Gila watershed is on federal public land (The Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness), you can stop by the Forest Service office in Silver City for maps and trail guides (Tel. (505) 388-8201). With some backcountry knowledge and lots of water, even a first-time visitor can choose from hundreds of miles of trail systems without needing a guide. Just bring tons of water, practice “leave no trace” camping, try to avoid open fires, and let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
However, if three days on a horse is your thing, pack trips are available as well. Really, if you know your time frame, you don’t have to stress about which trails to choose before you arrive. Plenty of hiking literature and books about Gila-region plants, birds and other animals are available at local bookstores.
Human History
As awe-inspiring as the natural beauty of the Gila is, the fact is that people have lived here for thousands of years – often in large numbers. The Anasazi, Mimbreno, and Apache cultures preceded the melting pot of Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American humans who now dwell here. Evidence from the early human history of the Gila region abounds, and can be most easily visited at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, some two hours into the Gila National Forest from Silver City. The Cliff Dwellings also make a fine jump-off point for day or extended hikes into the Gila Wilderness.
Our Seasons
The weather in the Gila in many ways has more in common with India than much of North America. That’s because we get summer monsoons, making “fall” like spring. We can get snow at high elevations in the winter, and yet often a January afternoon can hit 60 degrees. Winter rains can also make the traditional spring months beautiful, if windy. There’s no bad time to come, is what we’re saying. Just do your research to know what kind of clothes and equipment to bring. Elevation varies from 4,000-12,000 feet, so in one day you might need swim trunks and snow mittens.
Most of all, you don’t need to over think or pre-plan a visit here. Just find a hotel or a bed and breakfast and come! The Gila will be waiting, 365 days per year.
Links
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila National Forest, U.S. Forest Service Web Site
Desert Exposure, a regional arts and culture magazine
Information on Leave No Trace Camping,
from the Center For Outdoor Ethics
Gila-region maps and trail guides for sale
Some Information on Mimbreno Culture and Art
Everything You’d Want to Know About Ponderosa Pine Forests
Information on River Otter Restoration in New Mexico
Silver City Chamber of Commerce