Activities
Activities in the monument include bird watching, hiking, interpretive programs, nature walks, and wildlife viewing.
Activities in the wilderness include backpacking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Guided Tours
There are no scheduled tours during the winter season. Self-guided tours are available during monument hours and rangers or volunteers are always available to answer questions at the dwellings.
Call the Gila Visitor Center during business hours at 575-536-9461 to get the latest informaton.
Hiking
Hiking in the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness areas is a popular activity. Call ahead for weather conditions and backcountry water availability.
Hot Springs
There are several popular hot springs in the area. The closest wilderness hot spring, Lightfeather, is a 20-minute river walk from the Gila Visitor Center. The most popular is Jordan, a 6 or 8 mile hike from the Visitor Center, depending upon the trailhead used. Private hot springs are also located in the community of Gila Hot Springs, a four mile drive from the Monument. Use caution if entering the hot springs. Hot springs may contain an amoeba that may cause a form of meningitis that can be fatal. Don't get water up your nose.
