Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In New Mexico And It’s Positively Breathtaking

Most people outside of New Mexico have never heard of the Gila Wilderness. But this sprawling area was actually the first wilderness area to be established in the U.S. and the term "wilderness" is not used lightly. Forget driving. Neither roads nor buildings are permitted here. If you want to explore this isolated portion of southwestern Land of Enchantment, you’ll need to do so by foot or on horseback. Here is one of the most remote places to visit in New Mexico:

The Gila Wilderness spans 559,040 acres. It encompasses rivers, creeks, mesas, canyons, mountains, and 13th century cliff dwellings.

The headwaters of the Gila River, the last wild river in New Mexico, begin in the Mogollon Range.

The highest summit is Whitewater Baldy, which stands at well over 10,000 feet high.

Scaling the peak of Whitewater Baldy involves a 24-mile round trip hike – several days of high country hiking. Here’s the view from the top.

However, you don’t have to climb mountains to enjoy the Gila Wilderness. There are several easier trails. Many involve river crossings, so bring water shoes or at least a change of shoes.

One of the most popular trails is the Gila West Fork Trail.

When talking about the Gila Wilderness, "popular" means that you might encounter a few stray humans! This day hike is six miles round trip, and the trailhead starts in the parking lot of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Follow the West Fork Gila River as it passes through a gorge and gaze up at the towering rock face.

Navigating this rugged yet stunning terrain makes you feel like you’re the only person left on earth.

Or like you’ve traveled back in time. After all, the Gila Wilderness hasn’t changed much in the last century.

This image is from 1922.

The easiest hike here admittedly offers less of an escape from civilization.

The Catwalk Trail is a raised trail that follows the route of an old water pipe, through Whitewater Canyon, across a suspension bridge, and past a small waterfall. More info here.

The Gila Wilderness contains several natural (read primitive) hot springs.

Some, such as Turkey Creek hot springs are truly remote. You need a 4WD vehicle and must then hike eight miles, round trip, to reach them. Others, like the Middle Fork/Lightfeather hot springs are relatively easy to access. This one mile, round trip, hike is a mere 20 minutes from the visitor center at the Gila Cliff Dwellings (it does involve river crossings).

The Gila Cliff Dwellings are also inside the wilderness area.

They’re remarkably well preserved and they’re accessible by car. More info here.

When visiting this area, use the town of Glenwood for a base.

With a population of only 143 people, it feels pretty isolated, but you do have the convenience of restaurants. (Eat at the Alma Store and Grill or the Golden Girls Café.) There are also motels, lodges, and several campgrounds.

That'll give you plenty of time to discover all that the Gila Wilderness has to offer.

And, you can fall asleep to sunsets like this one.

Before you head out into the Gila Wilderness, you definitely need to be prepared, especially because you’re unlikely to have cell service. Double check that you have enough supplies, including water. This area is also prone to flash floods. You can learn more about the conditions at Gila, and everything else you need to know about visiting, by visiting the official Gila Forest Service webpage.

Remember, the Gila Wilderness is intended to be pristine and appear untouched by humans, so leave no trace.

Have you explored this breathtaking part of New Mexico? Here are more beautiful natural areas in New  Mexico you can visit.