Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings
For thousands of years, groups of nomadic people found temporary shelter in caves along the Gila River. In the late 1200s, people of the Ancestral Pueblo Cultures settled in for about 20 years, building rooms, crafting pottery, and raising children in cliff dwellings. Then they moved on, leaving the walls as a legacy.

26 Jim Bradford Trail
Mimbres, NM 88049
United States

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575-323-2904
575-536-9455 (WNP Park Store)

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Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
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Discover Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings photo

Nestled in the wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is where the Ancestral Pueblo Peoples built homes within the natural caves of a rugged canyon over seven hundred years ago. Surrounded by the Gila National Forest and designated as the first US wilderness area, the monument provides a mix of history, archaeology, and adventure, and offers a rare opportunity to explore well-preserved cliff dwellings in a stunning, remote setting. Whether you’re hiking to the dwellings, soaking in nearby hot springs, or simply taking in the beauty of the canyon, Gila offers a journey into the past unlike any other.

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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Hiking Stick Medallion - Logo

$7.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Footed Mug

$29.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Patch - Doorway

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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Magnet - Photo

$4.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Cap - Mimbres

$24.99
Bookstore with travel guides and souvenirs displayed on shelves.

Visit the WNP park store

The park store is located near the Gila Cliff Dwellings trailhead. Shop books, collectibles, apparel, trail guides, Junior Ranger gear, and more, all designed to enhance your experience at this important heritage site. 

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Explore Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument preserves a cultural heritage site which remains sacred to many Indigenous peoples today. Over seven hundred years ago, the people of the Southern Ancestral Pueblo culture built several dwellings within the cliffsides above the Gila River. Today, visitors can enjoy ranger-guided tours of these structures during the spring, summer, and fall, and learn about how they served as homes and ceremonial spaces.

Cave opening with view of forest and hills in sunlight.
Cliff dwelling with a person in an orange jacket standing nearby.

Exploring New Mexico's History at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Journey into the heart of New Mexico with this three-day itinerary. Enjoy historic cliff dwellings, scenic trails, and learn about the state's mining history.

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Visit smart

Hike to the cliff dwellings

The 1-mile loop trail leads you into the caves, where you can step inside the ancient structures.

Check the visitor center first

Learn about the Ancestral Pueblo cultures and the site’s history before heading to the dwellings.

Be prepared for remote conditions

Cell service is limited, and the nearest town is miles away, so bring plenty of water, food, and fuel.

Explore the Gila Wilderness

Nearby trails, hot springs, and the Gila River offer additional outdoor adventures in this beautiful landscape.

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Upcoming events

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Gila Bird and Nature Walk

Mar 9 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Grab your binoculars (if you have them) and join us on a walk through the wild Gila on a search for birds, wildlife and flowers. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We will be walking around on trails and sometimes on pavement.

Environmental Ethics in the Gila: Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic

Mar 9 10:00 am – 10:30 am

This interactive program introduces Aldo Leopold’s connection to the Gila and his influential Land Ethic. Visitors will explore Leopold’s environmental ethic and reflect on what it means to understand the Gila as a living ecosystem rather than a...

Guided Walk of Dwellings

Mar 9 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Allow at least 30 minutes to hike up to the cliff dwellings. The trail leading to the dwellings is about 1/2 mile over rocky and uneven terrain with 180-foot elevation gain. Join a ranger on a 45-minute guided walk of the cliff dwellings to learn...

Life in the Cliff Dwellings

Mar 10 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Ever wonder what life was like over 750 years ago? Come join a ranger to learn more about the daily lives of the peole who built the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

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Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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