The Heart Bar Wildlife Area, 797 acres, is located 36 miles north of Silver City. The wildlife area was purchased in 1951 to provide improved wildlife habitat. The area surrounds a portion of the Gila River with cottonwood and willow bottoms and evergreen forests in the higher elevations.

Wildlife watchers may see various wildlife species. Good binoculars are important. The best time to view wildlife is at dawn or dusk. Hiking is the best way to see wildlife at the Heart Bar Wildlife Area or other wildlife management areas.

The north bank of the West Fork of the Gila River is closed to all access from March 1 to August 31.

The Heart Bar Wildlife Area has restrooms and primitive camping but no drinking water.

Anglers must have appropriate licenses and permits. Wildlife viewers, photographers, hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders must have a valid license or permit.