Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument New Mexico

The Gila Cliff Dwellings was first discovered by Henry B. Ailman, an immigrant who happened upon the amazing formation in the summer of 1878. Since the Gila Cliff Dwellings were first discovered, millions of visitors have come to the old ruins anxious to study the dwellings and figure out the role that they have played in New Mexico's history. The Gila Cliff Dwellings covers 533 acres of land and was designated as a national monument by the President himself, Theodore Roosevelt in 1907. The government later passed an executive order called the Antiquities Act to prevent the further removal of artifacts in the dwellings by hunters and tourists. The dwellings are located in the Southern part of Catron County, with the closest city being Silver City. Scientists believe that the Cliff itself was created by some type of volcanic activity. Inside the cliff are interlinked caves that were once inhabited by people of the Mongollon culture. Archaeologists believe the Mongollons lived in the cliffs in 1300 AD. About ten to fifteen families are estimated to have lived in the cliffs but the reason for their departure remains unknown.

One of the most interesting things that have been found in the Gila Cliff Dwellings are mummified bodies. The discovery of the bodies gained national attention and shortly thereafter attendance to the monument greatly increased. Visitors to the Gila Cliff Dwellings will discover 46 unique rooms in five different caves. In order for Visitors to see the dwellings up close they must be able to hike up a one mile trail loop that includes several foot bridges over streams. The duration of the hike lasts about one hour and requires almost 300 feet of uphill travel. Visitors who decide to get an up close view of the dwellings will discover a glimpse of the homes that were once occupied by the Native Americans.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument has a Visitors Center and museum that is operated by both the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. Both organizations have operated the Gila Cliff Dwellings since 1975. Some of the other attractions on the dwellings ground include ancient sites, forest trails, the famous Gila River, and hot springs. The Gila Cliff Dwellings lie deep in the forest and mountains and are surrounded by wilderness. There are miles and miles of trails that visitors are allowed to take in order to explore the forested hills and valleys that are a part of the historic ruins. There are other opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding that can be provided for visitors. Guided tours of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument are available and can be provided for school and educational groups by reservation.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is open year round from 8AM - 5PM with the exception of some national holidays. The Gila Cliff Dwellings Museum operates during the same hours and is located in the Visitors Center. The museum is small and interpretive, selling books, videos, postcards, poster and other items related to the Gilda Wilderness and Mongolian culture.