Experience Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
In the high-altitude forests of southwestern New Mexico is an important Indigenous cultural heritage site. Here at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, visitors can learn about and see several cliff dwellings built by the people of the Southern Ancestral Pueblo culture hundreds of years ago. The steep canyons, forested slopes, and flowing rivers provide a stunning backdrop to this special place, standing as a testament to the builders’ enduring heritage and ability to work with the land.
Read on to learn more about Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and some of the experiences you can have there.
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – Indigenous Homelands
Indigenous peoples of the Southwest have lived in the area of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument for thousands of years. It was here that the people of the Southern Ancestral Pueblo culture made their homes in the mountains. This culture, which has similarities to but is distinct from the ancestral Puebloan cultures, was referred to as the Mogollon culture by archaeologists, after the nearby Mogollon mountains. However, Mogollon is not a term that the descendants of these peoples use for themselves or to refer to their ancestors.
The Gila River provided a reliable source of water, and its banks harbored a bounty of food and fertile soil, even in times of drought. Records of this culture can be found at the monument dating back to two thousand years ago, when they lived in pithouses. While not all of the buildings are accessible to visitors, the monument preserves examples of all major architectural structures created here.
In protected natural caves surrounded by forests of juniper and pine, centuries-old cliffside homes remain remarkably well-preserved. Although these original builders eventually left these homes, their legacy endures in the stone walls, pottery fragments, and in the lasting connection their descendants have to this sacred landscape. Today the Acoma, Hopi, and Zuni trace their ancestry to these people of the mountains and maintain ties with the land and the dwellings.
The headwaters of the Gila River are also part of the Eastern Bands of the Chiricahua Apache and the Mescalero Apache’s traditional homelands. It was in this area that legendary Apache leader and warrior Geronimo was born in 1829. The mountain ranges within today’s Gila National Forest still hold great cultural and spiritual significance for the Apache peoples.
Cliffside Community
The people of the Southern Ancestral Pueblo culture were not the first people to inhabit these caves, as soot from archaic peoples’ fires found on the cave ceilings have been dated back several thousand years. And yet their enduring structures, tucked into rugged cliffs, provide some of the most visible evidence for the ingenuity of ancient Indigenous peoples in today’s Gila Wilderness. All in all, 42 rooms were built around 1270 CE in several cave alcoves out of local stones and wooden beams. Occupied until about 1300 CE, these temperature-regulating dwellings faced south in order to get sun during the winter and shade during the summer. Positioned above a canyon with an ample supply of water, game, and farmlands, the community’s location may have helped them through a time of drought.
Visitors today can climb ladders up to the dwellings and peer into many of the rooms, including living quarters and communal and ceremonial spaces. When you visit, you can still see corn cobs in different rooms of these structures.
When to Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is best visited during spring and fall, when temperatures are at their mildest. The Gila National Forest is brilliant with color as the leaves change in autumn, making it one of the most beautiful times to visit. In the springtime, the warming forest is alive with new growth. Daily highs typically range between 60-70°F during these two seasons, although lows can still hover around freezing. While winter nights are cold, winter afternoons can be a pleasant time to visit. Always check the weather conditions before your trip and dress in layers to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day.
What to Do in a Day at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
There’s much to experience at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. You can hike the Cliff Dwellings Trail, a moderately strenuous 1-mile loop with a moderate ascent of 180 feet. To get to the cliff dwellings themselves, be prepared to climb up and down a few ladders. The trail is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
You can also immerse yourself in the area’s history at the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Here you can learn about the people who built these inspiring structures and the Chiricahua Apache and watch the 20-minute film about the park.
If you’re camping nearby, you’ll appreciate the brilliant night skies!
The Nation’s First Designated Wilderness Area
The Gila Cliff Dwellings are surrounded by a larger area of protected land that preserves some of New Mexico’s most spectacular natural beauty. Expanding over 3.3 million acres, the Gila National Forest’s dramatic terrains have been shaped by powerful forces, including volcanism, erosion, and sedimentation and provide unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature. The forest encompasses the Gila Wilderness, which gained its status as the first designated wilderness area in the world in 1924. This was in large part thanks to the advocacy of conservation pioneer Aldo Leopold, who convinced the Forest Service to protect the headwaters of the Gila River. Laced with nearly two thousand miles of trails, nature lovers can find endless paths to wander, whether hiking, horseback riding, or backpacking. The remoteness of this land means that at night, stars are allowed to put on a dazzling show and light up the night sky.
Want to show your love and support for these incredible lands?
Shop WNPA’s Gila Cliff Dwellings collection of apparel, books, collectibles, and more!
A Sweet Soak in the Hot Springs
For those seeking relaxation and healing waters, check out the natural hot springs, which are known as sweet because of their lack of sulfur and salt. Lightfeather Hot Spring can even be easily accessed from a trailhead by the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. These mineral-rich waters have resulted from the volcanic activity in the area and have been sought out for their therapeutic benefits for many years.
These springs are the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing and soaking while surrounded by forest scenery. Many of them can be accessed by day hikes, although they also make for the perfect stop on a longer backpacking trip through the wilderness. Or skip the hike and spend the night at Gila Hot Springs, a private campground where you can sleep right beside some hot, healing waters.
Key wildlife: Abert’s squirrel, American beaver, mule deer, coati
From the rugged canyons and valleys to the juniper and pine forests and mountains, the region’s varied ecosystems abound with wildlife, from the tassel-eared Abert’s squirrel to the white-nosed coati. Visitors have the chance to see over one hundred different bird species, many of which can be found on the scenic banks of the Gila River. Many of these lush river environments provide excellent opportunities for picturesque days spent fishing. There are healthy populations of elk, black bears, and mountain lions, although these larger mammals tend to be elusive in such a vast landscape.
A Stop in Silver City, New Mexico
Silver City is the charming small town near the Gila National Forest and the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It’s brimming with western charm. In the historic downtown area, you will find art galleries and local shops. You can admire an impressive collection of Mimbres pottery at the Western New Mexico University Museum, which also showcases many other artistic traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Throughout the year the city plays host to a multitude of cultural festivals, from the ¡Fiesta Latina! to the Silver City Clay Festival.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in downtown Silver City before driving a couple hours north either on NM-15 or on NM-35 to get to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Gila National Forest. NM-15 is the most direct road, with a 44-mile journey taking you down windy mountain roads with panoramic views of the wilderness. You can also choose the slightly longer NM-35 drive, which takes only half an hour longer and still provides a very scenic journey while also consisting of gentler curves. Always check for navigation updates before you travel!
Know Before You Go
- Do not touch walls and stay on the trails to preserve the structures and prevent erosion.
- No food, gum, candy, tobacco products, or any other sweet scents are allowed on the trail or in the dwellings to avoid attracting packrats.
- Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail is challenging and rocky in places. It can become icy during winter, and snowmelt or rain can make certain sections slippery or muddy.
- Check the weather and dress appropriately.
- Carry and drink plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
- Pets are not allowed on the trail to the cliff dwellings, but there are complimentary first-come, first-serve kennels at the trailhead.
- Do not touch or approach wildlife.
- Take only memories with you and do not remove rocks, plants, or resources of any kind.
- Pack in and pack out your trash, as there are no trash cans in this wilderness area.
In addition to the tips above, you can learn about the specific conditions or park events at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument by contacting the park directly. Download the NPS app to access park maps, information, and learn about what other attractions are nearby.
Remember to check weather conditions and alerts at nps.gov, pack appropriately, and respect the natural environment and cultural resources to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Start planning your trip today!
Michelle Ibarra is a former hesitant hiker turned avid national park goer. Growing up as a second generation immigrant and Cubana in Miami, Michelle writes to help others find the peace and joy of the national park experience that she discovered only after moving to Tucson, Arizona in 2019. She has visited 59 national parks, aims to visit all 63 before she turns 30, and writes avidly about inclusive park experiences.
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