Ancient Native Peoples were created here and have inhabited these sacred mountains, valleys and canyons throughout time. The Ndee (Chihe'ne, Chokone'ne, Bida'nku, Ndenai), known as the Chiricahua Apache People predate all other cultures present in the area. The ancient Pueblos, referred to as the Mogollon, Anasazi and Mimbres cultures of the preserved Gila Cliff Dwellings, attempted to settle this region, unsuccessfully.

Traveling through "Dzil" (mountains, the Gila region) offers opportunities to view ancient homesites, and to discuss living conditions and survival philosophies of these ancient builders; and the true inhabitants and inheritors of this country, The Apache People.
The Ndee’s fierce defense and nomadic lifestyle allowed this region to flourish and exist in harmony for countless generations in it's purest essence. In more recent history, well known Apache band leaders, war leaders, and warriors, like Cochise, Mangas Coloradas, Nana, Loco, Victorio, Naiche, Chihuahua, Geronimo, Porico and Lozen joined forces to drive all intruders from these sacred grounds.
Located in southwest New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness is America’s first and largest designated wilderness. At 3.3 million acres, the Gila National Forest offers one of the continent’s most pristine and rugged wild areas known today. Elevations range from desert and 4500 feet, to alpine at 10,000 feet. The Gila River’s immense watershed system creates valleys, mesas and canyons only imagined in dreams.
The wildlife present will give visitor a glimpse into an ecosystem desired by your soul. Soaring eagles, hawks, heron and kingfishers haunting the sky, while deer, elk, antelope, black bear, lynx, cougar, bighorn sheep, wolf, coyote and Javelina roam the shadows of the forests, meadows and canyons.