5 Surprising Misconceptions About the Gila National Forest

At Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch, we often hear five common misconceptions about the Gila National Forest, and we are here to set the stories straight! There are so many misunderstandings surrounding guest ranches. Particularly what people imagine in a New Mexico dude ranch. It’s one reason why we work hard to dispel those notions, showing people a world they never thought existed in Southwest New Mexico. Read on for a proper introduction to Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch and the Gila National Forest. Afterward, we know you’ll be eager to explore the land for yourself. Check our availability to plan the dude ranch experience of a lifetime.

5 Surprising Misconceptions About the Gila National Forest

1. It’s Too Hot

First, the common assumption is that New Mexico is hot and dry, especially in the summer. However, we are located at 6,500 feet elevation and enjoy very temperate weather. After a stay at our ranch, we often hear guests remark on how surprised they are by the weather in New Mexico and the Gila National Forest.

Summer days are pleasantly dry and comfortably warm with low humidity, and mountain evenings are cool and crisp. The low humidity helps create brilliantly starlit skies at night! New Mexico averages 275 sunny days a year, and because our ranch is open from March through November, you can experience New Mexico’s mild and sunny weather throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

2. It’s a Flat Desert

The second misconception that many people have is that New Mexico is monotonous, brown desert land. What many don’t realize is that The Land of Enchantment is where the Rockies begin! Driving on either of the two main interstates in New Mexico, you would never know that there are 3.3 million acres of forest tucked away in the southwestern corner of the state.

The expansive, Gila National Forest is readily accessible, and it is right outside the gates of our New Mexico guest ranch. As a guest, you can ride through deep canyons, to mountain overlooks, and across crystal clear, warm-spring fed streams that course through the canyons. It’s incredible to see such lush vegetation, and a bonus is hopping in to swim on warm summer days!

3. It’s Forgotten Land

In such a serene setting, people assume that the Gila National Forest is untouched by the hands of time. However, the history of the area is vast, and it plays a vital role in our country’s history. This area has a rich and fascinating past that dates back thousands of years. The Mimbres people were here from 200 to 1150 A.D., and you can see pit houses, cliff dwellings, pictographs, pottery shards, and other artifacts of their culture during your visit.

As our namesake suggests, this is also Geronimo country. The famous Apache warrior, Geronimo, lived and fought here. The mountains, canyons, and forests provided protection for him and his warriors. There are many more facets of history tucked away in the Gila National Forest, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

4. It Isn’t That Big

Did you know New Mexico is the fifth largest state? The sheer size of the Gila National Forest itself astounds many of our guests (it’s bigger than a few states!) The Gila National Forest and wilderness areas together comprise over 3.3 million acres, and that is over 5,000 square miles of some of the most beautiful, unspoiled country in the world. It is one of the largest tracts of public land in the country. And, it’s all accessible right out our back door!

5. I’ve Never Heard of It. It Can’t Be That Great.

Finally, while most of our guests arrive unaware of the Gila National Forest, they leave singing its praises. The Gila National Forest is New Mexico’s greatest hidden gem, and there are so many fun things to do and ways to explore it.

We are a small ranch with four cabins, and our primary focus is on trail riding. With a relaxed and personal atmosphere, we offer you the chance to discover the Gila at your own pace. Our responsive, well cared for horses are suitable for any ability so that you can enjoy the magnificent scenery from horseback!

Plan Your Getaway to the Gila National Forest