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

Get directions
575-536-9461

More about this park

Shop online store

Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Gila Cliff Dwellings
1 of

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.

Bring the parks home

From mugs to ornaments, our keepsakes make perfect gifts for all ages. Every purchase supports the parks!

Shop online

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Hiking Stick Medallion - Logo

$7.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Footed Mug

$25.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Patch - Doorway

$5.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Magnet - Photo

$3.99

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Cap - Mimbres

$24.99

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.

Explore

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.

1 of

Upcoming events

See all events

Stars Over The Gila

May 16 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join us at the Gila Cliff Dwelling's National Monument Visitor Center parking lot to view the stars and other celisteral objects. Bring a red headlamp. In the event of cloud coverage, rain or thunderstoms an alternative power point presentation will...

Stars Over The Gila

May 17 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join us at the Gila Cliff Dwelling's National Monument Visitor Center parking lot to view the stars and other celisteral objects. Bring a red headlamp. In the event of cloud coverage, rain or thunderstoms an alternative power point presentation will...

Stars Over The Gila

May 18 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join us at the Gila Cliff Dwelling's National Monument Visitor Center parking lot to view the stars and other celisteral objects. Bring a red headlamp. In the event of cloud coverage, rain or thunderstoms an alternative power point presentation will...

Stars Over The Gila

May 19 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join us at the Gila Cliff Dwelling's National Monument Visitor Center parking lot to view the stars and other celisteral objects. Bring a red headlamp. In the event of cloud coverage, rain or thunderstoms an alternative power point presentation will...

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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.

See how we help

Why stop at just one?

If you love Gila Cliff Dwellings, check out these other amazing parks.

Partner Park

Fort Union National Monument

New Mexico
Partner Park

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Arizona
Partner Park

Navajo National Monument

Arizona
1 of
Over 70 parks to explore

Find your park

Legend

  • Partner Park
  • Gateway City