New Mexico·United States
Photo: Matthew.kowal · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Gila Wilderness was protected in 1924 at the urging of Aldo Leopold, making it the first designated wilderness anywhere. Its canyons of volcanic rock hide cliff dwellings, hot springs and ponderosa forests, and the Middle Fork of the Gila River winds between towering walls.
In season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · Peak: May, Oct
Walking in and across the river dozens of times a day, soaking in hot springs along the way. Water levels rise in spring snowmelt and summer monsoon, so check flows before you go.
Fording the river dozens of times through the canyon
Hot springs deep in the first designated wilderness in the world
The high peak above the canyons, burned and rebuilding
Start from the Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor centre and walk up the Middle Fork towards Jordan Hot Springs. Wear shoes you can wade in, avoid high water, and climb Mogollon Baldy for the high country.
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