Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a glimpse into the homes and lives of the Mogollon people who lived in this area over 700 years ago. The cliff contains the ruins of interlinked cave dwellings built in five cliff alcoves by the Mogollon peoples. People of the Mogollon culture lived in these cliff dwellings between 1275 and 1300 AD. Archeologists have identified 46 rooms in the five caves, and believed they were occupied by 10 to 15 families. It is not known why the dwellings were abandoned. Hopi oral tradition does say migrations occurred due to cycles of beliefs and in response to changing climate. The dwellings were a perfect place for human living. The caves provided adequate shelter, while the wooded area concealed the homes. The wood found in these shelters has proven to be original as Dendrochronology (tree ring dating) determined that the wood used in the dwellings was cut down sometime between 1276 to 1287. Visiting the Dwellings up close requires hiking a well-traveled, one mile trail loop with several foot bridges over a stream. The entire walk takes about an hour.

Other activities in the Monument include bird watching, fishing, hiking, interpretive programs, nature walks, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Guided tours of the Cliff Dwellings are offered and tours start at the Cliff Dwellings about one half hour walk up from the trailhead. The "Trail to the Past" is a short 1/4 mile hike takes visitors to a small alcove dwelling and a large pictograph panel. It leaves from Lower Scorpion Campground. There are several popular hot springs in the area. The closest wilderness hot spring, Lightfeather, is a 20-minute walk from the Gila Visitor Center. The most popular is Jordan, a 6 or 8 mile hike from the Visitor Center, depending upon the trailhead used.

Take State Highway 15 north from Silver City. Although the distance from Silver City is only 44 miles, the travel time is approximately two hours due to twisting and winding mountain terrain. An alternative route from Silver City is along State Highway 35 and goes through the Mimbres Valley. Even though it is 25 miles longer than Highway 15, it is less winding, wider, more level, and easier to travel; therefore it takes about the same amount of time to drive. NOTE: If your vehicle, travel trailer, or RV is over 20 feet in length, you should take Highway 35.