Gila National Forest Horse Riding

Experience the Gila Wilderness and Gila National Forest on horse back. Ride through the vast canyons and mountains of the Gila region.

Discover ancient Native American Indian culture, flora, and wildlife. The Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, USA - is one of the most spectacular and remote regions in the Southwest. Step back in Time...take a journey your heart and mind will not soon forget ...

Join us for a customized eco-tour, a gently guided horseback nature vacation adventure, a trip into pristine wilderness to explore the plants, animals and geological wonders of the amazing New Mexico region. Your trails are made -- not followed! From the comfort of your rustic cabin accommodation, you will be presented with an exclusive opportunity to experience a virtual ecological paradise for those seeking absolute solitude and escape from modern society's busy, stress-filled lifestyle. Imagine yourself standing on top of a high, remote peak in the Pinos Altos Mountain Range, spectacular New Mexico vistas surrounding you, all the way into Arizona. You can feel Nature in all her complete perfection! Intensely blue skies, crisp clean air and the only sound is an eagle's wings, the wind gently caressing the trees and silence.

As late as 1924, trails were practically non-existent in this area and the grizzly bear still ruled. Not much has changed in this incredible wilderness setting! Refresh and revitalize your spirit simply by feeling its grandeur, purity and remoteness. No one knows exactly when the first human settlers came to the Gila Region. However, the presence of man and machine has been extremely limited, even through today.

You can begin a unique journey back through thousands of years, experiencing wild lands on the back of a gentle, safe horse.

+1 604-323-1141

Itinerary / Highlights

Led by Mark Rinsler or another qualified staff member, you'll travel by horseback from ranch headquarters to the base of the Pinos Altos Mountain Range. As an avid horseman, Mark is as passionate about riding horses as the day is long. When he is not in the saddle exploring new horse trails, he is out hiking through the canyons and valleys of the Gila Region in his quest to find hidden Native American sites. With a degree in cultural anthropology and a Masters in Journalism, Mark is relentless in his desire to learn about the history of the Old West, the world of Nature in the Southwest and Native American Culture in the Gila Wilderness region. Mark will show you some of the most stunning wilderness vistas imaginable! Or, share his exploration of ancient Native American village sites located along Bear Creek. Your horse will be steady and sure-footed, willing to carry you there and beyond.

Gila Wilderness Expeditions uses horses which are seasoned and safe in the mountains and rocky, rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest Region. Covering several diverse ecological zones, the wildlife and vegetation are abundant. Because of the isolation and the lack of human presence, including roads and motorized vehicles, the terrain traversed during the Gila Nature Expedition truly is a wilderness. As a result, almost all of the animals of the Upland Desert and Southern Rocky Mountains can be found here and can be seen most any time. Included are Javelina, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Bighorn Sheep, and Coyote. Close-up sightings of the elusive and rare Coati are not uncommon.

Environmentally aware of the importance of this natural resource and in our own efforts to preserve the pristine beauty of this land, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specialize in "leave no trace" exploration and insist all adventurers responsibly bring out what they pack in.

For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged landscape, the Gila Wilderness Nature Ride will take you on gentle, seasoned horses through rugged, pristine canyons and mountains lying within the magnificent Bear Creek and Greenwood Canyon drainage systems, and along the western edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico. Consisting of several relaxing loop journeys, travel back in time through 30 million years on land that eventually became one of the early pioneer ranches established near the end of the Apache Wars in 1886. You will have an exclusive opportunity to explore areas accessible by invitation only, isolated and remote.

This area is now known as the Double E Ranch. You will begin your journey each morning from Ranch Headquarters and return each evening to the comfort of your cozy, rustic cabin and a hearty home cooked meal..

Subject to change

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodations for Gila Wilderness Nature Expedition
Each guest house is equipped with comfortable queen sized beds, thick down comforters, full baths, plush towels, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator. Some riding experience is recommended; however, you need not be experienced.

RIO LOBO BUNK HOUSE
Hang yer hat on a set of horns! Comfortable and cozy, this little two-bedroom Bunkhouse has it's own private deck. One queen bed and one full sized bed, full bath with extra large tub, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels. The Longhorn is comfortably air conditioned during warmer months.

NEW MEXICO RANCH HOUSE
This renovated ranch house is nearly 100 years old! Nestled in the trees, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house can sleep up to 6 comfortably. Amenities include a screened veranda with rocking chairs, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens, comforters and plush, thick towels. All meals, unlimited horseback riding, all cattle/ranch activities are included in your rate.

WRANGLER'S BUNK HOUSE
(May to September)
Western and rustic, with bunk beds that sleep 4 comfortably. Amenities include a private deck, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels.

LONGHORN BUNKHOUSE
Hang yer hat on a set of horns! Comfortable and secluded, this cozy little two-bedroom has itsown private deck complete with hitch rail for your horse! One queen bed and one full sized bed, full bath, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, milk, fresh bed linens and plush, thick towels.

BILLY THE KID'S HIDEOUT
Billy spent many years in and around Silver City. Who knows...he may have spent a few nights here himself! (Ask to see the bed with the bullet holes!). This cozy little log cabin has all the rustic comforts. After a full day of riding, good grub and great company, hunker down in your own ‘hideout´. At sun-up, treat yourself to coffee on your private deck, experiencing the incredible quite, magical colors, waiting for the stir of early morning wildlife. Perfect for a single -- or a familiar two! Amenities include queen sized bed, full shower and deep bath tub, thick towels, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.