au contraire! The lowest elevation in the Gila Wilderness is something like 4,800 feet. Much of the Gila is heavily forested, Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, with elevations ranging up to nearly 11,000 feet. The lower areas support extensive pinyon pine (fairly scrubby) and juniper. Based on my personal experience in the area, especially in the high country,you could use a signal mirror to good effect.

As usual, the news accounts are too general and vague. Without better information, it is hard to come to an informed judgment.