Adventures begin in Silver City, New Mexico-
Hiking in the Gila National Forest (pronounced Heela).
Article and photos by Jackie Blurton

The Gila (pronounced Heela). People think of different things at the mention of the name. Some think of the Gila Cliff Dwellings built in the 12th century by the Mogollon people or of the Apache people and famous men like Mangas Coloradas or Geronimo, born in these mountains. There where famous mountain men too, like Nat Straw and Ben Lilly. Some think of the Gila Wilderness, our country’s first designated wilderness and the inspiration and great outdoor laboratory for Aldo Leopold’s writings on land and wildlife conservation. Some think of the Gila River, one of our nations last free-flowing rivers, and the mass of craggy mountains that rise so suddenly out of the grassy hills.

The Gila has its foundations in ancient sea-beds. Its bones where forged in volcanic fire. Its heart is the Wilderness and its soul is the river that flows through it reflecting the faces of shear-walled canyons in its rippling clear waters. We love hiking the Gila. Since 1993, we’ve had more fun exploring every trail and fording every river. Our steps have taken us through emerald aspen forests that cloak the mountain crests. We’ve wandered in awe over ridge after ridge of giant fir trees that were old when Geronimo was young. We’ve walked and waded the length of the Gila River and breathed the solitude of this rugged and enduring place.

We invite you to discover the Gila. It offers so many hiking possibilities.

Elevations range from around 5,000 to over 10,000 feet. A fine network of forest trails take you across mesas, along shady mountain streams, or climbing high into the mountains of the Gila Wilderness or the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. There’s hiking opportunities for families wanting to spend some quality outdoor time with their children or hikers who want to put on the miles and meet the challenges and magnificent vistas the Gila will give them. The Gila opens its heart and soul to all who come and you will find a great experience here.

Silver City and other communities in Grant County are great places to stay and take time to enjoy a hike in the Gila. There are numerous trailheads all around the perimeter of the forest so you’re never too far from a great hike. The offices of Gila National Forest Ranger Districts located in Silver City and Glenwood provide excellent maps and trail information. Make a hike in the Gila National Forest part of your vacation to Silver City. This country is not to be missed. Photo is The Middle Fork of the Gila River winds it’s way through colorful cliffs and cool pines

Go to www.silvercity.org for links to the Gila National Forest for more information on hiking the Gila.

For more about Silver City, click here.

Jackie Blurton has been hiking, birding, and bicycling in the Gila National Forest near Silver City with her husband, Jim, since 1993. She is a former graphic artist and does pen & ink bird illustrations for “From Our Place to Yours”, a nature column in the Silver City Daily Press. She and Jim have owned and operated the Silver City KOA Campground, in Silver City, New Mexico since 1993. Visit their website www.campsilvercity.com.