The Gila National Forest kicks off 2024 as a year of celebration of the world’s first Wilderness. The Gila Wilderness was designated on June 3, 1924. The USFS will host events and observations honoring all that is wilderness, in recognition of the centennial anniversary of the Gila Wilderness.

Together with community partners, the Gila National Forest is planning celebrations beginning in February with the Natural History of the Gila Symposium and closing with the Gila River Festival in October. The main event will be the Gila Wilderness Centennial Week, which will be held May 27 to June 3, in Silver City and Bayard. Events will include a speaker series, family-friendly celebrations at Gough Park, a screening of films from New Mexico State University’s Gila Film School, art, music, and primitive skills demonstrations and a crosscut competition. Other events will be held throughout the year and include hikes, articles, stargazing events, youth murals, trainings, books, and a wide variety of other community activities. Watch for news and information about scheduled events throughout 2024. Visit our website to view a calendar of events, learn interesting facts, and find links for partners, historic photos, and more. Also check out our Facebook page.