The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located 44 miles North of Silver City, NM the approximate driving time is 2 hours. The Park is open all year except December 25 and January 1. The Park offers various activities such as camping, fishing, picnicking, and viewing the Cliff Dwellings. A Self guided trail leads visitors into the prehistoric indian ruins. The one-mile loop trail leads to and through the Cliff Dwellings about 180 feet above the canyon floor. The trail is steep in places, so you should walk slowly and watch your step. The round trip takes about an hour. The Gila Visitor Center offers books about the history, flora and fauna of the Wilderness area. Several Wilderness trails provide opportunities for day-hikes, horseback trips, or extended Wilderness trips. Camping is available at Scorpion Campground while more primitive camping can be found at the Grapevine or Forks campgrounds located along the banks of the Gila River. Elevation Here is 6,000 feet.
Pictures appear courtesy of Mary Saxton

The Cliff Dwellings National Monument is surrounded by the Gila National Forest and lies at the edge of the Gila Wilderness, the nation's first designated Wilderness area. This designation means that the Wilderness Character of the area will not be altered by the intrusion of roads or other evidence of human presence. The Park offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of Indians who lived here from the late 1270's through the early 1300's. The Surroundings probably look today very much like they did when the Cliff Dwellings were inhabited.

Recommended Links

Click Here To see more pictures of the Gila Cliff Dwellings

This Link Provides a Terrific Source of Information for Visitors who are coming to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Done By the National Park Service.

This Link Provides more in-depth information such as history of The Gila Cliff Dwellings. Done By the National Park Service.

For more information, Call Wilderness Ranger Station at (505) 536-9461.