Deep within the untamed wilderness of New Mexico’s Gila National Forest lies the Gila Cliff Dwellings, an archaeological treasure from the past.

Over 700 years ago, the rugged cliffs and caves of Gila Wilderness’s Cliff Dweller Canyon became home to a unique community of hunter-gatherers. These ancient inhabitants, known as the Mogollon Culture, built remarkable two-story structures and dwellings within the naturally formed volcanic caves, leaving behind a legacy for us to explore and learn from. Furthermore, Gila Wilderness, designated our country’s first wilderness area in 1924, feels untouched and unspoiled, making it a bucket list destination for all.

Exploring the Gila Cliff Dwellings Trail:

To truly immerse yourself in the wonder of the Mogollon culture, embark on the Cliff Dwellings Trail. This one-mile loop trail uses interpretive signs to guide visitors through the dwellings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon inhabitants.

As you traverse the trail, you’ll explore caves and cliff-dwelling rooms with strategically placed ladders for access. You can expect the course to take one to two hours to complete. This timeframe allows you to explore the many different rooms within the cliff dwellings, seek out the pictographs, snap plenty of photos, and have ample time to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty and ancient atmosphere of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

12 Essential Tips for Exploring the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: 

1. Wear comfortable layers and sturdy shoes.
2. Bring plenty of water, particularly during hot weather.
3. Don’t arrive hungry. To preserve the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument’s integrity, no food or drinks other than water are allowed on the trail or within the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Eat a snack or a meal before you arrive.
4. Aim to visit during off-peak times.
5. Be Self-Reliant: Cell phone service is non-existent for miles surrounding the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Make sure you have everything you need before driving there.
6. Pets are not allowed. The monument does offer shaded outdoor cages where you can leave your pets for a short amount of time while you explore.
7. Allow Time for the Drive: The 44-mile drive from Silver City may take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours due to the mountainous terrain and winding, hairpin turns and roads. Allow yourself this extra time, savor the scenic drive, and embrace the anticipation of the spectacular experience that lies ahead.
8. Fees and Operating Hours: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a fee-free park. The caves and dwellings, the Cliff Dweller Trail, and the Visitor and Contact Center are open most days from 9 – 4. Holiday closures include Thanksgiving Day (the 4th Thursday of November), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Day (January 1).
9. Visitor Center and Cultural Insights: Before setting out on your exploration, be sure to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument’s visitor center. You’ll find an array of Mogollon artifacts discovered within the cliff dwellings and the surrounding area. To further enrich your understanding, a 15-minute video offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those who once called the cliff dwellings home.
10. Trail to the Past: For a shorter and handicapped-accessible experience, the “Trail to the Past” provides an alternative route. This 1/4-mile trail, accessible from the Lower Scorpion Campground, leads to a small Mogollon alcove dwelling and a large pictograph panel.
11. For more specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Visitor Center. Their knowledgeable staff can provide valuable insights, answer your questions, and assist you in planning an unforgettable visit. Contact the Visitor Center at 575-536-9461. The visitor center can also give you information on the plethora of hot springs in the area.
12. Where to Stay: We camped at Upper End Campground because we wanted to paddleboard and enjoy Lake Roberts. However, there are plenty of other camping opportunities within Gila Wilderness. However, if you like hot springs, you can explore reserving a furnished apartment or campsite that offers access to hot springs. Check out Gila Hot Springs RV Park and Campground or Gila Hot Springs Campground (not an RV park).

What to Expect:

The Gila Cliff Dwellings offer a glimpse into the past, providing us with invaluable insights into the lives of those who thrived in harmony with the untamed and unforgiving landscapes of the Gila Wilderness.

Walking the Cliff Dweller Trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the life of the Mogollon Culture and be awed by their resourcefulness and architectural achievements.

By exploring this ancient site, you’ll connect with and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the American Indians that once thrived in these caves. Plan your visit accordingly and embrace the wonder of this remarkable archaeological treasure.

More About the Mogollon Culture and the Gila Cliff Dwellings:

Beginning in the 1270s and ending in the year 1300, the Mogollon people built and inhabited the Gila cliff dwellings. They were skilled hunters and gatherers who also cultivated the land. Their farms, located on mesa tops and along the banks of the Gila River, yielded corn, beans, and squash. They likely hunted mule deer, elk, beaver, ducks, and turkeys, while also collecting nuts and berries from the local forests.

The Mogollon’s distinctive pottery, characterized by brown bowls with black interiors and black-on-white vessels, showcases their artistic prowess. Clothing and footwear were creatively crafted from locally sourced and available materials like yucca cord, agave leaves, bark, and cotton.

Archeologists estimate that approximately 40-60 Mogollon people constructed the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Each of the five cave dwellings comprised roughly 40 rooms. An estimated 10 to 15 families spanning multiple generations called these cave dwellings home during that time.

Today, a surprising 40 percent of the original plaster still adorns the walls of these caves and rooms. Additionally, you will also still find pictographs visible on these walls. The cliff dwelling structures encompass everything from habitation and storage rooms to ceremonial and communal areas.

Other Things to do While Visiting the Gila Wilderness:

1. Explore the many local hot springs in the area (see a list below).
2. Hit the trails or hike through streams with beautiful steep canyon walls.
3. Fish for trout and/or catfish, paddleboard or kayak on Lake Roberts.
4. Visit the hidden gem, artsy and funky town of Silver City.
5. You can stop by the City of Rocks State Park on your way out of Gila National Forest. This New Mexico State Park is located about halfway between the towns of Silver City and Deming.
6. Lastly, if you want easy-to-access hot springs, look into visiting Faywood Hot Springs Resort. Faywood is a clothing-optional rustic resort. It’s located up the road from City of Rocks State Park, halfway between the towns of Silver City and Deming.

In Conclusion, here’s a list of local Gila Wilderness area hot springs:

• Gila Hot Springs (developed)
• Jordan Hot Springs (requires a long hike into)
• Melanie Hot Springs (hike into)
• Gila Hot Springs RV Park and Campground (developed)
• Lightfeather Hot Springs (hike into and pools are very shallow -see photo below)
• Turkey Creek Hot Springs (hike into – often washed out)
• Brock Canyon Hot Springs (requires driving a difficult road to access)

Finally, for other National Park and State Park blogposts, click on these posts… Hiking White Sands National Park, Bottomless Lakes State Park in NM, Lassen Volcanic National Park in CA and 4 Best Oregon Waterfalls to Visit – Easy Access & Must-See Oregon Waterfall Destinations & Hikes.