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575-535-4455The webpage does not do justice to this place: you are on the edge of the Gila Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the country. At night the stars come out and my husband and I sat outside beside the blazing chimenea (earthenware portable fireplace) and just looked up ... for three hours. Then we sat in the jacuzzi for another two, just looking up. If the skies had not clouded we never would have gone to sleep. There is a photograph on the Casita's web page of the Milky Way behind the gate ... it is not an artist's rendering, this is just what it looks like-only it fills your vision. The daytime views are almost as stunning, and if you are a hiker then you will never want to leave. The casitas are well appointed, with full kitchens and all the comforts you would want in your own cabin. Casitas de Gila captures New Mexico’s beauty – the desert, bright yellow Cottonwoods in Bear Creek (where I’ve watched Javelinas and Bighorn Sheep), and the rugged mountains of the Gila Wilderness. When the sun sets, the mountains turn purple – but my favorite is Turtle Rock on the hills behind the Casitas which glows a brilliant orange. Every sundown I relax and enjoy this beauty to the aroma of Juniper wood burning in chimeneas. The accommodations are great, and Michael and Becky (the hosts) take the time to explain the surrounding nature and local lore, and make their guests 100% comfortable. We’ve become friends – as with their horses Yaqui and Saino (though bringing them carrots might have something to do with that). Later this month will be my 10th visit since 2006, and with each visit I relax and ease the stress from corporate life (as the sign says, “Entering Stress-Free Zone”). Oh, and if you ever thought you’ve seen the stars – come here and look again! Highly recommended! Excellent! Saw 7 wild Big Horn Sheep. 10" scope enabled seeing "Saturn". Panned for gold in Bear Creek on premises. No luck! First class accommodations.
Check out Michael's Gila Nature Blog! |
Dark Sky Astronomy and Stargazing …
At Casitas de Gila Guesthouses, night sky and astronomy enthusiasts will find: Secluded, dark, light-pollution-free, clear skies.
Star charts and spotting scope.
Set-up sites and power available for guests who wish to bring their own equipment.
We recommend that during the day you use a reflective cover over your equipment, to protect against dust and the heat of the sun.
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Here's how the skies over Casitas de Gila are looking for the next three days: The Clear Dark Sky website will tell you how to read this chart. |
CASITAS DE GILA 575-535-4455 Michael & Becky O'Connor, Owners ©2024 Casitas de Gila, Inc. • Updated August 2024 |
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