Trails in our area travel over high mountains with breathtaking vistas, into deep canyons with gurgling streams, and through sun-dappled forests. They can also lead you across open grasslands, mountains and hills covered with pinon and juniper trees, and through sandy dry arroyos.
We coordinate volunteer trail maintenance projects on the Gila National Forest.
New to the area or new to riding? Check out our equine & trail resources.
Opportunity to meet other equine people to ride with and who have knowledge of area trails.
We advocate for protection of our public lands
MISSION
The Gila Back Country Horsemen’s mission is to assure continued reasonable use of pack and saddle stock on public lands. We assist with trail maintenance and improvement projects keeping trails clear for all user groups. Everyone who loves the Gila National Forest benefits from this work. We also develop equine facilities and participate in other activities that support equine use.
Experience the Gila, laugh around the campfire, share stories of adventures, and have fun with companions
WHERE WE WORK
Our work primarily takes us to the Gila National Forest which covers approximately 3.2 million acres, making it the sixth largest National Forest in the continental United States.
The forest comprised of the Gila National Forest and the wilderness areas:
- Gila
- Aldo Leopold
- Blue Range
WHEN AND HOW WE WORK
Monthly Meetings:
The Gila BCH chapter meets monthly to share details about chapter activities. Discuss upcoming trail projects, horse care, training, wilderness experience, celebrations, and more!
Trail Projects:
The Gila Back Country Horsemen complete most work from March – November.
- Projects usually last from 1-7 days.
- Single-day projects send workers home at night.
- Multi-day projects let workers camp in the wilderness, enjoy fabulous and nourishing trail meals prepared by other GBCH members.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join Us:
For trail work, you don’t need trail maintenance experience because we will train you! Non-members Welcome! And you don’t need a horse or a mule.
Keeping Trails open for ALL:
Over the years, Gila Chapter members and recruited volunteers have continued to improve popular / high use trails.
- Maintained or built over 1600 miles of trail
- Developed and maintained horse facilities
- Participate in various other activities that support equine and other trail users.
