The Wilderness

This Native American symbol for mountains bears a remarkable resemblance to the profile of Black Mountain, visible from Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. Black Mountain is in the Gila Wilderness, which was the first designated wilderness in the United States.

The Gila and the Aldo Leopold Wildernesses together comprise over 750,000 acres. That is over 1,000 square miles of some of the most beautiful, unspoiled country in the world: deep canyons with sheer cliffs and crystal clear spring fed streams running through them, high mountain overlooks, open meadows, Ponderosa, Juniper and Pinyon forests. No motorized vehicles in the wilderness, just horse and foot travel.

The wilderness areas in turn are located within the Gila National Forest, which at 3.3 million acres is one of the largest tracts of public land in the country – accessible right out our back door. Wildlife abounds, including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, Javelina, bald eagles, blue jays, ravens, Mexican Gray wolves, mountain lions, and black bears. Come horseback riding with us! We love sharing this beautiful area with our guests, as well as our knowledge of the history, flora and fauna.

We operate in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, and we subscribe to Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.