Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located in southwestern New Mexico and while it isn't all that far from Phoenix, only about 350 miles away, the road getting there isn't for everyone or every vehicle.
The park is reached by following New Mexico State Route 15 north from Silver City, but the road is mountainous and twisting. The distance from Silver City to Gila Cliff Dwellings is just 44 miles, this road trip takes a good two hours. The road isn't for long vehicles, either. Buses, RVs, and vehicles with something in tow that are longer than 20 feet must take the alternative route from Silver City via State Highway 35 which goes through Mimbres Valley. The alternate route is 25 miles longer than the Highway 15 route, but is a wider, less curvy and more level road which means both routes take about two hours to traverse.
A good first stop is the park's Visitor Center. The park entry fee of $10 per family per day can be paid there with a credit card; cash payments can be dropped at the trailhead two miles further up the road. Entry is free for those with a valid Interagency Pass. Exhibits, information and a bookstore are located at the Visitor Center.
The cliff dwellings were built in the 13th century by the Mogollon people. Chunks of Gila Conglomerate found within caves was used for their walls. Mortar kept the walls together; handprints of some of the original builders can still be found today. Guided tours are offered daily, but they start at the cliff dwellings which are about a 30 minute walk from the trailhead parking area, and north from the Visitor Center. Call the Visitor Center at 575-536-9461 to make sure hikes are on-going before you make the drive.
After your hike, you might want to check out one of the hot springs in the area. The closest is about 20 minutes by foot from the Visitor Center; the most popular is a six to eight mile hike away.
The closest accommodations are in Gila Hotsprings, about 4 miles from the park. RV-ers should contact the Gila Hotsprings RV Park Apartments by phone at 575-536-9551, while those looking for lodging should call the Wilderness Lodge at 575-536-9749. More services and accommodations can be found in Silver City.
To plot your trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, click here for Google Maps.
Comments
Visiting all the cliff dwellings could be an interesting road trip in itself.
Hikes + hot springs = sublimity. Big Bend has a similar feature and a great way to relax and soothe the muscles after a grueling hike.
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