Gila River
Gila River is a wild, seasonally variable watercourse in New Mexico, flowing from the Mogollon Highlands into the _______________ Gila _________________ and beyond. Known for remote canyonlands, trickling pools, and a history of puebloan habitation, it’s a destination for multi-day backpacking and lesser-visited swimming spots.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwest US |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Grant County |
| District | Gila Region |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 33.1 |
| Longitude | -107.9 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEGila River originates in the highlands of southcentral New Mexico, winding downstream through a rugged landscape of Cibola National Forest and the Gila Wilderness before joining the Gila near Bill Evans Lake in southwest New Mexico. The river’s flow is strongly seasonal, swelling during spring snowmelt and dropping to isolated pools by late summer; it carves dramatic canyons and supports a suite of desert and montane species. Historically significant, the Gila area was home to Ancestral Puebloans and is dotted with archaeological sites, while modern access is often via remote forest roads and trailheads. Expect wide-open vistas, damus- and pinyon-covered uplands, and quiet, sediment-free pools where rimmed and multi-day routes can be paired with river crossings and backcountry camps.
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