Gila National Forest
Gila National Forest
Lying within the first proclaimed Wilderness area, Gila National Forest is one of the more remote and least developed National Forests in the southwestern United States. The drive into the forest is spectacular with scenery ranging from high cool mountains with aspen and douglas fir to warm semi-arid lowlands with juniper, oak and cactus. Since it is early spring, we were treated to lots of snowy banks along the steep, winding road, which was thankfully clear. We camped at Forks Forest Camp along the Gila river, which is a Forest Service campground providing free sites up on the ridge as well as down by the river. It was a lovely, peaceful campground and the first campfire we have built in quite some time.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument also lie within the Gila Wilderness Area and are well worth the effort to get there. The small homes built into caves high in the faces of the cliffs are fascinating and provide a glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people some 700 years ago as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Lying within the first proclaimed Wilderness area, Gila National Forest is one of the more remote and least developed National Forests in the southwestern United States. The drive into the forest is spectacular with scenery ranging from high cool mountains with aspen and douglas fir to warm semi-arid lowlands with juniper, oak and cactus. Since it is early spring, we were treated to lots of snowy banks along the steep, winding road, which was thankfully clear. We camped at Forks Forest Camp along the Gila river, which is a Forest Service campground providing free sites up on the ridge as well as down by the river. It was a lovely, peaceful campground and the first campfire we have built in quite some time.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument also lie within the Gila Wilderness Area and are well worth the effort to get there. The small homes built into caves high in the faces of the cliffs are fascinating and provide a glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people some 700 years ago as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
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