Gila Wilderness

On June 3, 1924, at Aldo Leopold's insistence, Gila became the world's first designated Wilderness area, and it remains New Mexico's largest. Today this is one of the best destinations for backpackers in America, and an extensive trail system provides access. High mesas, rolling hills, and deep canyons distinguish the eastern portions, as do pinion and juniper woodland and a few grassland areas. Ponderosa pines blanket the central portion, with sheer cliffs outlining the Gila River. The west and southwest portions boast high mountains, particularly the Mogollon Range, with elevations up to 10,895 feet and steep canyons carved from the drainages of Turkey Creek and Mogollon Creek. The three forks of the Gila River run year-round, with creeks, springs, and tanks serving as alternative water sources. Searching for hot springs is worthwhile, but don't dunk your head in the water if you find one — some of the springs contain a microorganism that can enter the brain and cause death. Winter temperatures are mild during the day at lower elevations, but they fall to well below freezing at night, and the higher elevations are usually snowpacked December through February. July and August suffer the hottest temperatures, along with frequent heavy rains that can produce flash floods.