Heart of the Gila Trails Partnership
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The trail system in the remote expanses of the Gila Wilderness allows access to its free-flowing river, varied landscape, stunning cliffs & old-growth ponderosa forest
The vast pristine nature of the Gila Wilderness inspired Aldo Leopold to advocate for its preservation.
As the first designated wilderness, its large size (559,040 acres) and multiple points of entry provide: irreplaceable opportunities for solitude, quiet from noises of civilization, hunting and fishing, recreation, studies of untrammeled areas, horse packing and many other unique opportunities.
Since tourism is the second largest industry in New Mexico, trails in the well-known Gila Wilderness are fundamental and reduces environmental damage caused by off trail travel.
Gila Wilderness Trails improve:
- Health of our communities and individuals
- Amount of people in support of protecting wild places
- Hunting and fishing
- Opportunities for biological studies
- Fire management
- Safety of Gila Wilderness travelers
- Local rural economies
- The economy of New Mexico