Gila National Forest is 3.3 million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains and rangeland. The forest is best known for its wilderness areas, particularly the Gila Wilderness, the first wilderness established in the United States. The magnificent landscape, cool summer temperatures and relatively warm winters not only made this place a welcoming home for ancient peoples, but today permit a wide range of recreational activities; including bicycling, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, OHV, and boating.