From our headquarters at Gila Hot Springs, New Mexico we provide guiding, packing, and outfitting service for camping trips in the spectacular Gila Wilderness of New Mexico. We give you the opportunity to enjoy wilderness camping without having to carry a heavy load on your back.
The Gila River, its forks, tributaries and surrounding mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery and ideal campsites in the American Southwest. Travel through deep winding canyons, beneath tall pines and towering rock formations. Lovely pools and staggering vistas await around every bend. A great diversity of plant and animal life adds to the interest. Here are wonderful opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, bird watching, photography, and wildlife viewing, as well as exploring rarely visited wild places and archeological sites.
We offer a range of services from drop camps for do-it-your-selfers, to full service deluxe base camps, as well as adventurous cross country treks and educational nature study camps.
Our friendly, professional, experienced guides and sturdy pack animals help maximize your time and enjoyment.
Join one of our scheduled outings , or we'll be happy to help you plan a custom trip that's just right for you.
Please visit the Services and Schedule pages for a complete description of all that we offer.
Wilderness Camping
Operating under a special use permit from Gila National Forest.
"When I went on my three day pack
trip with Zack and Jamie, I wasn't sure
what to expect because it was my first time
camping. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Not only did we enjoy what Nature has
provided, but we were always learning
along the way, about plants, birds, insects,
wildlife, and more. We hiked in with our
mule carrying the major part of the load.
In the distance we could see smoke from
a summer forest fire. Zack knew that
we were a safe distance away from the
fire, so it was a good opportunity to learn
about fire ecology. The easy hike down
into the canyon filled the day, including
stopping for lunch along the way.
"Once we came to our base camp,
the guide set up our tents and we
got into our bathing suits and walked over
to the hot springs. New Mexico has the
most wonderful hot springs trails - you are
rewarded for your efforts by a leisurely
soak in these natural springs while looking up and gazing at the scenery unfolding above you. After the soak, we went back to the campsite where Zack fixed a wonderful dinner and as we ate and drank our wine, we revisited the day's hike and what we had seen along the way. The camp was so comfortable - Zack made every effort to make us feel at home way out in the wilderness. While the cook cleaned up, we went back to the hot springs for an evening soak. What a delightful way to end the day, leaning back and looking up at the stars!
"The hike out was a bit more strenuous as we were hiking up and out of the canyon. But, having knowledgeable leaders like Zack and Jamie made the hike out relatively untaxing. They don't push you beyond your abilities, and are always aware of your needs. I look forward to going with them again because they make the whole experience interesting, challenging and fun."
-Paddy Tobey
Alexandria, VA
In this remote and pristine area,
discover and savor the untamed Gila river,
its canyons and mountains,
its hotsprings
and cool pools,
its outrageous beauty, and its humble pleasures.
The Gila Wilderness
The Gila Wilderness was the world’s first designated Wilderness Area, and it’s the largest in the southwest. It is known for its deep, rugged canyons, high peaks, magnificent scenery and great diversity of plant and animal life. For more information about the Gila country please go to
"To say that I thoroughly enjoyed my 5-day nature study camp with Gila Backcountry Services is an understatement. Mike Fugagli was the naturalist for our trip, and he delighted the group with all the knowledge he share each day . . . and over the campfire at night! The ecological diversity of the Gila area is legendary, and having Mike as a resource was a wonderful way to experience it. In addition, Zack generously shared his knowledge of and appreciation for this very special place, contributing even more to such a rich learning experience. Zack runs a superbly organized trip, providing trip gear and camp meals that were all outstanding -- truly beyond expectations. And then there were the hot springs . . . One can’t help but be enchanted by such a well run trip, in such a magical environment, with such good company. I’m already scheming to do it again!"
