Photo Credit:  Kathy Bikert - All Rights Reserved

WHY EXPLORE THE WILD IN GILA COUNTY?

Located in the Heart of Arizona, Gila County is welcoming, affordable, and beckons the adventurous soul to answer the call of the wild. Here, you live through your senses: pine. unobstructed views. breathtaking sunsets. Here your adventure is as wild as you want to make it.

This is your gateway to national forests, epic hikes, steeped in historic western frontier lore with cowboys, native Americans, miners, ranchers and outlaws   — from eagles and rainbow trout to ponderosa pine and saguaro cactus. From here, you can trek, paddle, ride the trail, or cast your line.

WILD HISTORY WAS MADE HERE!

The stories of the old west were written here, left to us from generations of ranchers, cowboys, Native Americans and miners who were rugged enough to try and tame this wild land.  It is their stories that come alive and give us all a glimpse of what it was like to live by the sweat of your brow and the speed of your six-gun.  

Learn of Arizona Charlie Meadows and the legacy of the modern day rodeo.  Discover ancient Native American culture and visit the replica museum of western author Zane Grey.  Lay claim to the history of the mining industry and its rugged past.   Lastly, learn of one of the most deadly family feuds in western history between the Tewksbury's and Graham's.

WILD FAMILY FUN 

All of the communities in Gila County know how to put on a party.  Having your family come and join in all the fun is our pleasure.  Whether you attend the Payson, Hometown 4th of July, the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo, Pleasant Valley Days in Young or the Cinco de Mayo activities in Globe, Arizona - you and your family will create memories not soon forgotten. 

Enjoy culture and history at the Apache Jii Festival in Globe or the Arizona State Old Time Fiddlin' Arizona State Championships.  If you like to run and get muddy sign up for the Payson, Mogollon Monster Mudda 5k Mud Run or set out on the trail for the Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race.  There is truly something for everyone here.

#DISCOVER GILA COUNTY

GILA COUNTY ADVENTURE FORUM

Tell Us About Your Adventures In Gila County

The Gila County Adventure Forum has been created as an online resource.   Please share your latest adventure with others including video, pictures and important information.  

Please refrain from the use of bad language, political views or anything else that is other than what is listed above.  Offenders of these rules will be removed from the forum and blocked from future activity.

CREATE YOUR ADVENTURE

Are you ready to take an adventure like none other and open yourself up to the experiences and beauty that life gives you?  If so then Gila County was made for you.  Below we have compiled some of the best adventure itineraries into a half, full day and extended experience packages.  All you have to do is follow the itinerary to create memories and Explore the Wild.