Gila BCH is preparing for the

2024 Gila Wilderness Centennial!

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Experience the wild and rugged Gila.....

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2 Week Adventure

Aldo Leopold stated that one should be able to ride for 2-weeks without seeing civilization.  And from that belief, the Gila Wilderness was created.  100 years later, after many fires, floods, and neglect (lack of funding to do trail maintenance), we are recreating this 2-week possibility.  Join us for our volunteer trail projects as we improve these trails.

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Part of Wilderness character is encouraging all to create their own experience.  For this reason, we are not creating a specific route through the Gila. Opening many trails offers many options to disperse use, increase solitude, and create an opportunity to experience the many ecosystems.

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Here are some key places to enjoy in the Gila Wilderness. 

 

Our updated Gila Trails Cleared Map can help you plan your adventure.

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Exploring the Gila Wilderness Edges

Since not everyone has time for a 2-week adventure, we are improving trails around the Gila Wilderness's perimeter.  Day-hikes to give you a taste of the Gila.  

 

Check out the Day Adventures page, and the updated Gila Trails Cleared Map can help you plan your outings.

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Forest Service Gila Wilderness Centennial Loop Trail

There are also plans for a Forest Service 100 mile Gila Wilderness Centennial Loop. However, it is not finished yet and will be the focus of trail work this spring/summer. Here is another map that is color-coded according to the status of the trail. 

 

For a free Centennial Loop Map to download on your phone, there are two options: 

Gila Wilderness Centennial Loop Trail Map -24K

Gila Wilderness Centennial Loop Trail Map - 63K

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Gila Centennial Northern Loop Trails

Discover a one-of-a-kind trail network that showcases a variety of ecosystems through short hikes and backpacking trips. We are currently improving the remaining 1/3 of the trails   Overview Map

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Funding Thanks to:

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• National Forest Foundation Map grants 

• Nation Wilderness Stewardship Alliance Trails Partnership Grants

• NM ORD Trails+ Grants

• Individual Donations

• Give Grandly 2022

• Great American Outdoors Act

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