Due to the fierce protectiveness of the Apache people, this area remained undeveloped into the 1870s. After their departure, no one appears to have lived in the area until the Chiricahua Apaches migrated to the upper Gila River around 1500. Dendrochronology dating techniques indicate that timbers used in the construction were cut between 12.įor unknown reasons, the Mogollons abandoned the area by 1300. The cliff dwellings, constructed by the Mogollon people in the 1270s and 1280s, consist of approximately 40 rooms built inside six caves in the mountainside, about 180 feet above the floor of Cliff Dweller Canyon. Reptile life includes the Arizona coral snake and Gila Monster.īr />A key point of interest located near the heart of the Gila Wilderness is the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. There are a variety of eagles and hawks, along with the osprey, owl, turkey and blue grouse. Elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were reintroduced to the area in 19, respectively. The Gila is home to the black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, javelina, coatimundi, and the critically endangered Mexican wolf, which was reintroduced in the Gila in 1988. It contains one of the world’s largest and healthiest Ponderosa Pine forests. The Gila Wilderness is a transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert. This is the longest undammed stretch of river in the contiguous 48 states. The wilderness area protects the upper Gila River watershed. Along with the nearby Aldo Leopold and Blue Range Wilderness Areas, the Gila is part of Gila National Forest.Įlevation in the Gila Wilderness varies from a low of about 5,000 feet along the Gila River to a high of 10,895 feet at the summit of Whitewater Baldy in the western part of the wilderness. It measures approximately 39 miles east to west and 27 miles north to south. Its 558,065 acres make it the largest wilderness area in the American Southwest. Johnson in 1964, the Gila became the first congressionally designated wilderness. When the Wilderness Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Located in southwestern New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness Area became the world’s first such designated area on June 3, 1924. It is an epic wild land to lose oneself in, where the spirit of Geronimo and Billy the Kid are still palpable. It is the home of the Mogollon culture, the Chiricahua Apache, hardened pioneers, miners, ranchers and outlaws, and now those who seek solace in its primordial beauty. However, the Gila Wilderness is far greater than its significant role in wilderness preservation. This action, led by the great Aldo Leopold, jump started the process to set aside other wild places as regions to be left unspoiled by the progress of society. ![]() ![]() Indeed, it was this land, still one of the wildest corners of the lower 48 states, that was the first region to be set aside distinctly as a wilderness. Towering peaks, vast ponderosa forests, extensive canyon networks, Indian dwellings and a deep sense of isolation all combine to create a distinctive albeit archetypal wild landscape. They look like vegetation that the Devil would plant himself! These Thorn Apples are rare in the area but there is a bush or two on the side of the road you may spot if you're very attentive.In many respects, the Gila Wilderness is the quintessential American wilderness. These plants grow big seed pods with very sharp spikey thorns. Possibly the coolest plant you may encounter in the area is called a Oak Leaf Thorn Apple. ![]() These junipers are some of the only sources of shade in the entire area. Around the arroyos you will see some healthy juniper growing, taking advantage of the monsoons downpours. ![]() You will spot some prickly pear cactus here and there, although not in large amounts. Much more gently when they brush up on your legs. The other dominant plant of the plains is common grass. If you set your hand on the ground for a split second, guaranteed they will be covered with some pointy plants of many varieties. These tumbleweeds are surprisingly pointy and are irritating once they poke you. Everywhere you see is covered with Russian Thistle, aka tumbleweeds. The foliage of this area is worth noting if you are coming from out of state. Once you finally reach the wilderness, you will be greeted with a variety of hardy desert plants surrounded by dramatic hills.
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