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A Visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings

A beautiful footbridge spans the West Fork of the Gila River from the Gila Cliff Dwellings entry station to the mouth of Cliff Dweller Canyon. The river flows under the bridge, rippling and sparkling in the sun. Two Mule Deer drinking at the shore look up then lower their heads again. Above you towering rocks pierce the blue sky. There is only the sound of the river and wind in cottonwoods and pines. It’s beautiful and peaceful, and time is forgotten.

The river has flowed here for uncounted thousands of years. It was like this when the Mogollon people ventured up this valley and found the caves that would protect the dwellings they built in the 13th century and suddenly left behind 800 years ago.

As the trail enters Cliff Dweller Canyon the walls close in and you walk in the dappled shade of pines with the songs of birds and cascading water. There are little bridges that cross the stream and benches along the way for you to sit and enjoy the moment.

A half-mile up the canyon the trail turns and begins to ascend the slope in a zigzag series of stone steps. Here is your first view of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Looking up you see dark arches, like giant eyes, in the cliffs above. Sheltered within the caves and reflecting the warm glow of the sun are the Dwellings.

You climb the stone stairs to a broad shelf and pass by caves and ruins, inaccessible and high on the cliff face. At the largest of the caves a stair takes you up and into a great domed chamber, cool and dim accept for the reflected light from outside. The stone walls of many rooms fit together like a puzzle on the sloping floor, and the smoke of ancient fires blackens the high ceiling. Two great arched openings look out across the canyon to pine-covered slopes. The view is stunning.

A Forest Service guide is there to tell you about the Dwellings and the Mogollon people. Little is really known about them, but you can perhaps come to your own understanding of them by visiting their ancient homes. In learning how they lived you will find an appreciation for the endurance and spirit of the people who came before and left their mark in this timeless place.

To learn more about the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument visit the Silver City – Grant County Chamber of Commerce website at www.silvercity.org and follow the links to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. At their website there is an online Junior Ranger Program for kids.

A visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the heart of the Gila Wilderness is a great experience for everyone.