Gila Wilderness Expeditions. A horseback vacation in southwestern New Mexico.

The Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, USA - is one of the most spectacular and remote regions in the Southwest. Revel in this southwestern color palette at one of New Mexico's pristine treasures and experience the beauty and magnificience of ancient sycamore and cottonwood trees along miles of Bear Creek. Climb high and feel clean, crisp air carrying millions of migratory birds on their journey south. Discover ancient Native American Indian culture, flora, and wildlife in the Gila Wilderness Region. Step back in Time...take a journey your heart and mind will not soon forget ... 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. Mark Rinsler

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. Thanks!

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.

Experience an Adventure
your heart and mind will not soon forget ...
Sign on for a Gila Wilderness Expedition Nature Ride - Today!

Double E Ranch provides dude ranch enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience dude western-style roundups, exciting dude horseback riding in scenic southwestern New Mexico. We offer Dude Trail Riding, Dude Clinics, Gila Wilderness Nature Rides specially designed for dudes and holiday dude specials for your dude ranch vacation. Dudes at Double E Ranch enjoy Dude activities such as, dude riding, dude roping on seasoned dude horses, dude clinics, dude accommodations in comfortable dude cabins. Dudes vacation in comfortable dude cabins, dining on delicious traditional dude meals. A dude ranch vacation is a great family vacation, suitable for all ages of dude guests. Improve your dude ranch skills, enjoy meeting other dudes from all over the world. Double E Dude Ranch is different from other dude ranches. Dudes can still experience a traditional dude ranch life style. Imagine yourself on a dude ranch vacation in the southwest of New Mexico. Dudes visit from all over the world, meeting other dudes with similar interests in dude ranching. Join us for a dude ranch vacation you won't forget. Make it a family dude ranch tradition. Dude ranching has been popular since the turn of the century with many dudes. Each year, more dudes take dude ranch vacations in the southwest. The weather is perfect for a dude ranch vacation in the winter months.