Dogs can hike the forest's trails and its huge wilderness backcountry, including the Catwalk #207 trail near Glenwood. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in campgrounds, picnic areas such as Whitewater, and other developed sites, and under control on general forest and wilderness trails.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is managed by the National Park Service and follows its own pet rules, so leave dogs out of the dwellings. Designated swim areas at spots like Lake Roberts and Quemado Lake typically bar pets.
Fire restrictions and area closures are common in the dry spring and summer months, so check current alerts before heading out with a dog.
A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.
Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.
Dogs are welcome across New Mexico's Gila National Forest, home of the Gila Wilderness, the world's first designated wilderness, plus the Aldo Leopold and Blue Range wildernesses. The Catwalk Recreation Area near Whitewater Canyon is a popular, accessible walk for dogs and owners alike. Dogs can hike the forest's trails and its huge wilderness backcountry, including the Catwalk #207 trail near Glenwood. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in campgrounds, picnic areas such as Whitewater, and other developed sites, and under control on general forest and wilderness trails.
A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.
Fire restrictions and area closures are common in the dry spring and summer months, so check current alerts before heading out with a dog.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is managed by the National Park Service and follows its own pet rules, so leave dogs out of the dwellings. Designated swim areas at spots like Lake Roberts and Quemado Lake typically bar pets.
Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.