Celebrate the 100th birthday of the spectacular Gila Wilderness—the world’s first designated wilderness area—with Broads’ New Mexico Broadbands at the Gila Wilderness Centennial Broadwalk!

We will stay at the Gila Hot Springs Ranch (elevation 5,700 feet) near the iconic Gila River canyons and mountains in the Gila National Forest of southwest New Mexico. The middle, west, and east forks of the Gila River converge in this area, with nearby forests of ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Douglas fir, New Mexico juniper, and pinon pine.

Details:

• Dates: Monday, Sept. 16 – Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
• Check-in time: 11am – 2:15pm
• Check out time: 10:30am
• Place: Gila Hot Springs Ranch 
• Cost: $42 – $105
• Accommodations: Tent camping, lodging within the “Red Barn,” RV, and car camping. Event price varies depending on whether camping, using an RV with hook-ups, or lodging in the Red Barn. The Red Barn contains comfortable furnished apartment-like units, with 2 units downstairs and 1 unit upstairs. Bedrooms and bathrooms in these units will be shared with other participants.
• We know you love your pets, but due to space limitations this year’s event is pet-free.
• Meals: Suppers will be provided on Monday and Tuesday. Participants will bring their other meals, snacks, and drinks. We will gather in the outdoor pavilion to dine.

Activities:

• A Gila National Forest hydrologist will speak on watershed issues and other topics.
• We will participate in a guided public lands service project at the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument close to the wilderness boundary. We will learn about the history of the area, and the resource management issues facing the monument and wilderness area.
• We will have postcard writing sessions to advocate for public lands.
• There will be hikes in a refreshing riparian canyon, along the river, and in areas with lovely views.
• Enjoy Forest Bathing Yoga, a gentle yoga session led by a local yoga instructor.
• We’ll share our reflections and conversations on our wilderness experience.

A reminder that all participants need to be a current Great Old Broads for Wilderness member. Click here to join or renew today!