An oasis in the desert, the Gila Lower Box WSA is located in southwestern New
Mexico about 20 miles northwest of Lordsburg. The Gila River has cut a five
mile-long steep-walled canyon 600 feet deep in some areas, creating the "Lower
Box." The pristine canyon is heavily vegetated with riparian species such as
ash, cottonwood, Arizona sycamore, and willow. The Lower Box has very high
biological diversity with 265 species of birds, 67 mammal species, 12 species
of amphibians, and 54 reptile species recorded. This is one of the best bird
watching areas in New Mexico. The area contains cultural features including
petroglyphs and rock shelters.

An oasis in the desert, the Gila Lower Box WSA is located in southwestern New Mexico about 20 miles northwest of Lordsburg. The Gila River has cut a five mile-long steep-walled canyon 600 feet deep in some areas, creating the "Lower Box." The pristine canyon is heavily vegetated with riparian species such as ash, cottonwood, Arizona sycamore, and willow. The Lower Box has very high biological diversity with 265 species of birds, 67 mammal species, 12 species of amphibians, and 54 reptile species recorded. This is one of the best bird watching areas in New Mexico. The area contains cultural features including petroglyphs and rock shelters.

Bird's eye view of the park

Gila Lower Box Wilderness Study Area

The Gila Lower Box Canyon is a true oasis in the desert, 20 miles north of
Lordsburg, New Mexico. Since livestock were removed from the river canyon in
1990, a lush native community of cottonwood, willows, and other riparian and
aquatic vegetation has re-established and flourished. The area provides some
of the best birding in New Mexico. Home to approximately 200 species, it has
one of the highest bird diversities in the state. The area provides habitat to
many rare and unusual birds including Bell's vireo, peregrine, bald eagle (in
winter), golden eagle, black hawk, zone-tail hawk, gray hawk, yellow-billed
cuckoo, Gila wood pecker, and Abert's towhee. The river provides opportunities
for canoeing or rafting during spring runoff, hunting, and year-round fishing
and camping. The river contains smallmouth bass and several species of
catfish.

The Gila Lower Box Canyon is a true oasis in the desert, 20 miles north of Lordsburg, New Mexico. Since livestock were removed from the river canyon in 1990, a lush native community of cottonwood, willows, and other riparian and aquatic vegetation has re-established and flourished. The area provides some of the best birding in New Mexico.  Home to approximately 200 species, it has one of the highest bird diversities in the state.  The area provides habitat to many rare and unusual birds including Bell's vireo, peregrine, bald eagle (in winter), golden eagle, black hawk, zone-tail hawk, gray hawk, yellow-billed cuckoo, Gila wood pecker, and Abert's towhee. The river provides opportunities for canoeing or rafting during spring runoff, hunting, and year-round fishing and camping. The river contains smallmouth bass and several species of catfish.

Gila Lower Box Canyon

The Blue Creek WSA is located in the southwestern portion of New Mexico and is
dominated by a volcanic fault block mountain named Black Mountain. The
intermittent Blue Creek passes through the eastern part of the WSA and the
narrow cliff-walled canyon is dominated by ash, cottonwood, Arizona sycamore,
and willow. The uplands are dominated by desert grasses and shrubs.

The Blue Creek WSA is located in the southwestern portion of New Mexico and is dominated by a volcanic fault block mountain named Black Mountain. The intermittent Blue Creek passes through the eastern part of the WSA and the narrow cliff-walled canyon is dominated by ash, cottonwood, Arizona sycamore, and willow. The uplands are dominated by desert grasses and shrubs.

Blue Creek Wilderness Study Area

The Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a popular rock hounding area located near
the town of Duncan in eastern Arizona. Please follow all rules and regulations
when rock hounding.

<p>The Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a popular rock hounding area located near the town of Duncan in eastern Arizona. Please follow all rules and regulations when rock hounding. </p>

Gila Lower Box Wilderness Study Area

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Gila Lower Box Canyon

Blue Creek Wilderness Study Area

Round Mountain Rockhound Area