High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Gila Wilderness was designated the world`s first wilderness area on June 3, 1924. Along with Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Blue Range Wilderness, the 558,014 acres (225,820 ha) wilderness is part of New Mexico`s Gila National Forest. The wilderness is approximately 27 miles (43 km) from north to south and 39 miles (63 km) east to west. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is found within the wilderness.