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Backpack New Mexico's Gila Wilderness
Celebrating wilderness protection where the idea began: the Gila Wilderness
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Tags:
- New mexico |
- Adventures |
In 1924, the Gila became the first area in the world protected as wilderness with a Forest Service Administration Order and the urging of Aldo Leopold. A 40-mile loop offers a great sample of what inspired Leopold. The route begins on The Catwalk, a suspended walkway through sheer cliffs, and continues along the spires and red rock scenery of Whitewater Canyon. You'll see spectacular aspen groves high on 10,895 foot Whitewater Baldy. From that peak, the Gila's highest, the hike ridge walks to Grouse Mountain before dropping to join the South Fork of Whitewater Creek.
Contact Information
Gila National Forest: (505) 539-2481, www2.srs.fs.fed.us/r3/gila/about/
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READERS COMMENTS
my hiking buddy and I tried to do this and had to be rescued by the united states army air corp out of Santa Fe. They told us that they would never had found us if it was not for the PLB. If you go here make sure you have a GPS and a PLB because the maps are out of date and the trails are not used enough so that you can follow them without posted trail signs. this was the only time I have ever have had such a challenge that I could not get out of on our on power. I want to go back.
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