Join us for a customized eco-tour, a gently guided horseback nature vacation adventure, a trip into pristine wilderness to explore the plants, animals and geological wonders of the amazing Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness region of southwest New Mexico.

Gila Nature Horseback Riding offers an opportunity for you to combine your love of nature with your passion for horses! On this horseback wilderness adventure vacation, your trails are made -- not followed!  From the comfort of your rustic cabin accommodations at the Double E Ranch, tucked away in the corner of southwestern New Mexico, you will be presented with an exclusive opportunity to experience  a virtual ecological paradise for those seeking absolute solitude and escape from modern society's busy, stress-filled lifestyle.

Imagine yourself standing  on top of a high, remote peak in the Pinos Altos Mountain Range, spectacular New Mexico vistas surrounding you, all the way into Arizona.  You can feel  Nature in all her complete perfection!   Intensely blue skies,  crisp clean air and the only sound is an eagle's  wings,  the wind gently caressing the trees and silence.  As late as 1924,  trails were practically non-existent in this area and the bear still ruled.    Not much has changed in this incredible wilderness setting! The Gila and Double E Ranch are home to some of ths most unusual cactus and succulents the Southwest has to offer!

Refresh and revitalize your spirit simply by feeling its grandeur, purity and remoteness.  No one knows exactly when the first human settlers came to the Gila Region.  However, the presence of man and machine has been extremely limited, even through today.  By using Double E Guest Ranch as your staging site, you can begin a unique journey back through thousands of years, experiencing  wild lands on the back of a gentle, safe horse.

Led by Double E Ranch Staff member, Mark Rinsler, or another qualified Double E Ranch Staff member, you'll travel by horseback from Ranch Headquarters to explore the majestic beauty of the Gila Region: creeks, canyons, meadows and mesas, wildlife and plants. 

An avid horseman, Mark is also extremely knowledgeable about the history, flora and wildlife in the area.  When he is not in the saddle exploring new horse trails, he is out hiking through the canyons and valleys of the Gila Region in his quest to find hidden Native American sites.  There are several interesting sites easily reached along your journey. With a degree in cultural anthropology and a Masters in Journalism, Mark is relentless in his desire to learn about the history of the Old West and share it with you, the world of nature in the Southwest and Native American Culture in the Gila Wilderness region. 

Mark  will reveal some of the most stunning wilderness vistas imaginable!  Uncover and explore the history of ancient Native American village sites located along Bear Creek.  Your horse will be steady and sure-footed, willing to carry you there and beyond.  Gila Wilderness Expeditions uses horses which are seasoned and safe in the mountains and rocky, rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico and the Gila National Forest Region. 

Covering several diverse ecological zones, the wildlife and vegetation are abundant.  Because of the isolation and the lack of human presence, including roads and motorized vehicles, the terrain traversed during the Gila Nature Expedition truly is a wilderness. As a result, almost all of the animals of the Upland Desert and Southern Rocky Mountains can be found here and can be seen most any time. Included are Javelina, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Bighorn Sheep, and Coyote. Close-up sightings of the elusive and rare Coati are not uncommon.

Environmentally aware of the importance of this natural resource and in our own efforts to preserve the pristine beauty of this land, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specialize in "leave no trace" exploration  and insist all adventurers responsibly bring out what they pack in.

For those desiring to surround themselves with the beauty of this rugged landscape, the Gila Wilderness  Nature Ride will take you on gentle, seasoned horses through rugged, pristine canyons and mountains lying within the magnificent Bear Creek and Greenwood Canyon drainage systems, and along the western edge of the legendary Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico.

Consisting of several  relaxing loop journeys, travel  back in time  through 30 million years on land  that eventually became one of the early pioneer ranches established near the end of the Apache Wars in 1886.   You will have an exclusive opportunity to explore areas accessible by invitation only, isolated and remote.  This area is now known as the Double E Ranch.  You will begin your journey each morning from Ranch Headquarters and return each evening to the comfort of your cozy, rustic cabin and a hearty home cooked meal.

While it's not  possible for us to accommodate special Vegetarian Diets, pasta, eggs, chicken rice and bean dishes are always on the menu, regularly.  We won't let anyone go hungry!  However, please be responsible about your dietary needs.  Be sure you let Ranch Staff know of any dietary concerns or allergies on your arrival  in order to avoid miscommunication and problems. We want your visit to be a positively memorable experience!

Weather and Climate:  Four gentle seasons best describe the climatic conditions in the Gila National Forest,  Gila Wilderness and  Double E Ranch areas.  The latitude, as well as the  5,000 - 7,000 foot elevation  permits maximum enjoyment of the region during any season.  Whether winter or summer, daytime temperatures are generally pleasant for hiking or horseback riding, and range from the high 90's in the warmest summer  months to mid-40's in winter.  The area enjoys an average of  345 days of glorious sunshine and clear blue skies annually. For additional information on the area, check out the Silver City Website.

All participants should be in good physical condition and capable of being on horseback or hiking for a minimum of 3-5 hours.  A combination of  hiking and horseback riding is encouraged.