Tips for Visiting New Mexico’s Gila Cliff Dwellings

Unless you’re from the area, most places in southern New Mexico are not exactly well known.  One such place is the small mountain town of Silver City, NM.  Driving along I-10, you probably wouldn’t believe that there are thousands of acres of mountainous wilderness just waiting to be explored just 60 miles away! The Gila Wilderness is tucked away deep in the Mogollon Mountains, and is the true definition of the term “wilderness”.  It has a rich history which includes the subject of my post today – the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings are one of the top attractions (if not the top attraction) of the Silver City area…so when my sister came to New Mexico to visit me, I knew I had to take her there!  It’s over an hours drive into the mountains from Silver, but definitely worth the drive!

(Click here to see other things to do in Silver City!)

The cool thing about the Cliff Dwellings is that they’re located in the Gila Wilderness, as I stated before.  The Gila Wilderness became a designated wilderness area in 1924, the first designated wilderness area in the whole world! You are not allowed to enter the wilderness area and trails except by foot or horseback.  This means that no motorized vehicles have entered this land since 1924 – and I doubt there were a lot (if any) entering then! I find the fact that it’s such a pristine wilderness to be very intriguing!

The Gila Cliff Dwellings are ruins of the actual dwellings of the ancient Mogollon Indian tribes, who lived here around 1200 AD. It’s very interesting to visit and imagine what it was like to live here back then, and wonder how different it was!

What You Need to Know:

Directions: (From Silver City) Get onto NM-15. Stay on this road, as it will dead-end into the parking area for the Gila Cliff Dwellings and Wilderness trails. You will pass through the Pinos Altos and you will pass the turnoff for Lake Roberts.

Length: The hike to the Cliff Dwellings is an 11-mile loop

Difficulty: Depends on your condition. There is only one section that climbs, and I think this would be considered moderate – strenuous by most. Other than that, it’s easy.

Pets Ok? Not in the caves. They are allowed on leash on the Wilderness trails

Crowds? I did not find the caves to be crowded on either of my visits

Fees: $10/family, $5/individual adults, free for children 15 & younger

Tips:

• While there are 6 caves, there are only 3 caves/rooms that can be explored. Please be aware that you enter the first room via steps, but you exit the second room via a large ladder (ladder is pictured below).  If this is a problem, it’s possible for you to back-track and leave the way you entered, where you can then walk around the front to continue on the loop.
• To keep the critters down, the Park Rangers will not allow you to carry in snacks or drinks other than water – even if they are in a pack. You will be asked to return the pack to your car before being allowed to cross the bridge to the loop.
• Park Rangers offer guided tours of the ruins at certain times.  Self-guided tours can be taken year-round.  Often on your self-guided tour, all you have to do is ask questions to the stationed Park Rangers and they will be happy to tell you all about the ancient Mogollon culture!
• If you are paying your fee with cash, it can be paid at the trailhead. If you are paying with a credit or debit card, you can pay at the visitor center (stay straight instead of turning left to the Cliff Dwellings).  There are also maps, souvenirs and a small museum area in the visitor center, as well as clean restrooms.
• Stop at the visitor center and ask for their handout that gives descriptions of the surrounding day hikes!

Visit the website for more information.

As the loop begins, it follows a creek along the edge of a towering cliff wall.  It was very lush, and the autumn colors were just beginning to show!

Once you come down the ladder you continue on the loop, which will take you back to the bridge.  It’s much easier going down than coming up!

Well, if you are in the area, I hope this inspires you to make the drive to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings! Highway 15 is a beautiful drive, and if you plan your trip right you can make a stop at Lake Roberts too! I swear even the drive is worth seeing, but you might as well follow through and see it all!

Hope y’all enjoyed! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Until next time!