Gila National Forest, located in southwestern New Mexico, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing. The best time to visit is in spring and fall when temperatures are mild, although winters offer quiet, snow-capped views. Summer is perfect for river activities, though expect warmer temperatures. Nearby towns like Silver City provide RV rentals via RVShare.
For RV camping, Mangas Valley Campground offers a peaceful experience with mountain views, while Gila Hot Springs Ranch Campground combines rustic charm with access to natural hot springs. For more secluded spots, consider dispersed camping within the forest. RVShare rental services offer easy access to the forest’s attractions, ensuring comfort and convenience for your stay.
Where to Camp
Camping in Gila National Forest
Gila National Forest offers various camping options, from primitive campsites to more developed areas for those looking to stay close to nature.
The Black Range Crest Trail is broken into two segments. The most accessible part runs from Emory Pass to Forest Road 886 through thick forest. The second segment runs from Emory Pass towards Hillsboro Peak, and it climbs to the highest elevations of the Black Range. The second segment runs through the dense wilderness.
Length: 36 Miles
Intensity: Difficult
Ladrone Gulch Loop Trail
The Ladrone Gulch Trail climbs 2,000 feet over the course of three miles to reach the top of Hillsboro Peak. At the top of the peak, climb the observation tower for amazing views of the entire region. Then, descend the east slope until it intersects Trail 127 to get back to your starting point. This trail runs through the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, and dense forest makes some of this trail hard to navigate.
Length: 9.25 Miles
Intensity: Difficult
Apache Creek Interpretative Trail
The Apache Creek Interpretative Trail is a short trail through prehistoric rock art interpretive exhibits. Interpretative panels along its edge allow you to understand what you are seeing and when it was made. This trail is very near the Apache Creek Campground.
Length: 0.9 Miles
Intensity: Easy
Frisco Box Trail
The Frisco Box Trail near Reserve starts by providing views of unique rock formations. Then, it descends to run along the San Francisco River through a gorge. As you hike further along, the gorge will become narrower before it finally opens about 2.3 miles before the end of this spectacular hike.
Length: 8.3 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
Turkey Creek Trail
The first segment of the Turkey Creek Trail starts at the mouth of Turkey Creek. It runs through a canyon before and after crossing a saddle between Skeleton to Sycamore canyons. Then, it runs from the Diablo Range and into McKenna Park until it meets the West Fork of the Gila River.
Length: 28 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
Things to Do
Activities in Gila National Forest
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Gila National Forest.
Bicycling in Gila National Forest offers a thrilling experience with a variety of trails suitable for all levels of cyclists. Some of the mountain biking areas include Valle Tio Vinces Campground, Aeroplane Mesa Campground, Bear Creek - CDNST Trailhead, etc.
You can find plenty of fishing spots along perennial creeks, rivers, and manmade lakes throughout the area. You can choose from lake and pond fishing and river and stream fishing.
Enjoy facilities like picnic tables and scenic spots near streams or lush forests, perfect for relaxation or family outings. Some of the notable spots are the Aldo Leopold Vista Picnic Area, Catwalk Recreation Area, Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area, etc.
To experience nature at its best, pick Black Range Crest Trail, Ladrone Gulch Trail, Gila River Bird Area, or Iron Creek Campground. Explore stunning landscapes, serene meadows, and vibrant wildflowers for a peaceful outdoor experience.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation, including ATVs and motorcycles, is allowed in Gila National Forest with adherence to travel regulations. Federal law prohibits motorized equipment in designated wilderness areas.
Identifying Flora and Fauna
You can see several different ecosystems when you visit Gila National Forest. Follow the Fort Bayard Big Tree Trail to see the second-largest alligator juniper tree in the United States. The Gallinas Canyon Area near Silver Spring is a great place to see wildflowers in August and September while it is a beautiful area to see aspen trees when the trees change colors in late October. Around the McMillian Campground near Silver City is an incredible place to go hiking, horseback riding, or off-roading in a coniferous riparian woodland and ponderosa pine forest.
Fishing
Quemado, Snow Lakes, and Lake Roberts are stocked with trout. You can also go fishing in Bear Canyon Reservoir and Bill Evans Lake. Additionally, the upper reaches of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers are excellent places to go trout fishing while the streams in lower elevations are often good for bass and catfish fishing.
Geocaching
New Mexico has a geocache hidden in each of its counties. The Gila National Forest covers part of Catron County, where the cache is in a secure location that Geronimo and Elfego Baca called home. In Grant County, the cache is near the windmill on Allie Canyon Road Highway 35, north of Membres. In Sierra County, a cache is on Bureau of Land Management land near Highway 152. The cache in Hidalgo County is within 100 feet of a parking area, but you may have to bushwhack your way to get to it. Remember that all caches may not be in their original location or may be completely missing, so be sure to double-check before you head out.
Nature and Bird Watching
There are also terrific places to see animals in their natural habitats. Almost 350 bird species have been spotted. The forest is home to black bears, mountain lions, elk, and mule deer along with at least 80 other mammals. The most frequently seen mammals are mule deer, javelinas, and squirrels.
Stargazing
The remoteness of many locations in Gila National Forest makes them ideal spots to go stargazing. Special steps have been taken at Cosmic Campground to qualify it to become an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The nearest significant light pollution to this area is over 40 miles away. Star parties are often held there. Guests must cover their flashlights and camera lenses with red filters, and the use of cellphones is highly discouraged. There are four concrete pads that telescopes can be placed on.
How to Get There
How to get to Gila National Forest
Address: Gila National Forest Headquarters, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061
Fee: Entry Fee (per person)
There is no entry fee.
By Car
From Silver City, New Mexico: Gila National Forest is about 10 miles away. Drive north along US Highway 180, following signs for the forest's entry points.
From Albuquerque, New Mexico: Approximately a 4.5-hour drive. Take Interstate 25 south, exit onto Highway 152 West, and then follow US Highway 180 to Silver City.
By Air
El Paso International Airport (ELP): Located about 150 miles away, this airport offers rental cars for direct access.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): Around 200 miles away, with connections via I-25 and US 180 to the forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal restrictions in Gila National Forest include road closures, fire bans, and camping limitations during dry months or wildfire season. Always check current regulations before visiting.
Fees in the Gila National Forest
Fees at Gila National Forest may apply to certain activities like camping, parking, and group events. Many areas are free, but permits might be required for specific uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gila National Forest
Does Gila National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Gila National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas of the forest. Campers must bring everything with them, including water, and leave no trace when they pack up camp.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Gila National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Gila National Forest. You can camp for up to 14 days within a 30-day period in the forest.
Is Gila National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Gila National Forest is open year-round. The weather does get cold in winter, and it can snow between December - February, but there is a lot to see in the forest, regardless of the season! The Gila Cliff Dwellings are also open year-round, except for a few holidays.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Gila National Forest?
Yes, you do need a permit to hunt in Gila National Forest. Anyone twelve or older also needs a fishing license to fish in the forest.
What type of wildlife lives in Gila National Forest?
Wildlife living in Gila National Forest includes black bears, mountain lions, deer, antelope, and wild turkeys. Birds including a variety of raptors also live in the forest - in fact, there have been 337 different bird species seen in the forest.
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