Last Updated on 17 August, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

In a 30-year span between 1270 and 1300, something spectacular happened in the vast wilderness of Gila National Forest: The Tularosa Mogollon people moved into the cliffs and built rooms, escaped a drought, and raised children, all within the Gila Cliffs.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument preserves the rooms and archeological items found in the cliffs that were left behind by the Mogollon. Visitors can go inside to explore the cliff dwellings, learn about their history, and reflect on what life was like in 1300.

In this article, I’ll dive into the details about how to see these ancient and fascinating cliff dwellings. You’ll learn where they’re located, how to get there, what to expect, and a little bit of history along the way!

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What Are The Gila Cliff Dwellings?

Tucked away in southwest New Mexico in the Gila Wilderness is a place that takes you back in time to the days of the hunter-gatherers. The National Park Service tells us that the Gila Wilderness encompasses 558,000 acres and is the first designated wilderness area in the world!

This place is clearly special, but what makes it so captivating is the physical remnants of people who occupied the region long ago. This isn’t just words read on a page. At the Cliff Dwellings, you’ll actually get to walk through a physical location, see ancient art, and imagine life for these ancient peoples.

The Mogollon of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

While many peoples occupied the cliffs at one time or another, the Mogollon were the only ones to construct walls and rooms within the cliffs, making it a home for roughly 30 years of occupation.

Evidence suggests that the Mogollon were nomadic and came to the cliffs from what is now present-day Reserve, New Mexico. While living in the cliffs, they farmed on the banks of the Gila River and hunted the local animals like mule deer and elk.

Archeologists suggest that the Mogollon came to the Gila Cliffs to escape a widespread drought in the area. It’s thought that around 10 to 15 families occupied the dwellings.

The Cliff Dwellings

The Mogollon people built dwellings in five different caves, with each dwelling having around 40 rooms. Some of the different rooms you’ll see at the cliff dwellings include:

• Habitation rooms
• Ceremonial rooms
• Storage rooms
• Communal rooms

There is also wall art, soot-stained ceilings, and 80 percent of the original cliff dwelling walls. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was established in 1907, and it is remarkable how much has been preserved that can still be observed today!

Looking for other adventures in New Mexico? Check out some of our other New Mexico guides!

• Carlsbad Caverns Pet Policy
• Exploring Roswell New Mexico Attractions
• White Sands National Park Dogs Guide
• Aguirre Springs Campground
• City of Rocks State Park Camping

Getting To Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

There’s pretty much only one way in and one way out to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The main road to get there is Highway 15, which ends at the Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center.

Highway 15 from Silver City is a scenic but windy road through mountainous terrain. You’ll gain and lose elevation, reaching a peak of 7,400 feet along the way and ending at around 5,700 feet in elevation at the visitor center.

• Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings Parking Lot

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you’ll want to look for the Cliff Dwellings Trail, located on the western side of the parking lot (The opposite end you entered).

For Vehicles Over 20 Feet

If your vehicle is over 20 feet, it’s recommended to take an alternate route if coming from Silver City: Silver City→180 East→HWY 152→HWY 35→HWY15.

It takes a little longer, but like most of New Mexico, it’s very scenic! 

Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Basics

Planning to visit this spectacular destination? Check out some of the basics below to figure out when it’s open and any fees!

Open Hours

The Gila Cliff Dwellings Trail is open from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors cannot go into the cliff dwellings after 4 pm or before 9 am. This coincides with the visitor center store hours of 9 am to 4 pm.

The trail and visitor center are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Fees

There are no fees to enter Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument or to hike to the cliff dwellings. Yep, it’s free!

Pets At The Cliff Dwellings

Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your furbags at home. Pets are not allowed on the Cliff Dwellings Trail. Five first-come, first-served kennels are available at the trailhead. 

Bowls and water are provided, but it’s not a bad idea to pack some of your own things for your furry companion, like beds, blankets, and other creature comforts.

Always use caution when leaving your pet during the summer. Although the dwellings are at higher elevation and temperatures are typically cooler, they can still reach dangerous levels on clear, sunny days.

How To Hike To The Gila Cliff Dwellings

Now onto the exciting part! Hiking to the cliff dwellings is an adventure all on its own. Despite being a short 1-mile loop, the views are outstanding, and the cliff dwellings make the moderate elevation gain worth it.

Let’s talk about where to park, finding the trailhead, and how to hike to the cliff dwellings.

Where to Park

A large, paved parking lot is easily accessible and close to the trailhead. You’ll find the parking lot at the WNPA (Western National Parks Association) bookstore.

• Parking lot: 33°13’46.2″N 108°15’52.6″W

The lot is large, paved, and rarely so full that you can’t find a spot. Consider heading into the bookstore first for a glimpse of native artwork, maps, and souvenirs!

Finding The Trailhead

Once you reach the parking lot, you’re only a few feet from the trailhead! The start of the Gila Cliff Dwellings Trail is right on the other side (western side) of the bookstore. You’ll see a bridge that takes you over the West Fork of the Gila River and onto the main trail loop.

A friendly park ranger will likely be waiting at the trailhead to tell you a little about what to expect, the rules, and other important information.

If you’re interested, this is also where you can pick up a B.A.R.K. ranger certificate for your furbags! Just note that you’ll have to leave them behind if you want to hike to the cliff dwellings, as pets aren’t allowed on the trail.

The Hike

The hike itself is on unpaved terrain where you’ll climb a number of steps, cross a few bridges, and finally make your ascent into the cliff dwellings. To exit the dwellings, you’ll climb down a steep but sturdy wooden ladder.

Check out our day hiking gear list to ensure you have everything you need to conquer the trail!

Here are the facts:

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation gain: 180 feet
• Total time: Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours to really explore and enjoy the cliff dwellings and the natural surrounding landscape.

Begin by crossing the bridge at the start of the trailhead. You’ll eventually reach a fork in the path with a sign pointing to the left for the Gila Cliff Dwellings. This is the start of the loop.

Hang a left here!

Continue on the path as it begins climbing up toward the cliff dwellings. Throughout this southern portion of the trail, you can look up to the cliffs and see the distinct openings and walls carved right into the stone.

You’ll find informational signs along the way that offer information on the plants and animals in the surrounding Gila Wilderness. 

After many steps and quite a few bridges, you’ll reach the plateau where the dwellings reside. The first small dwelling you’ll pass is a little room with a wooden bench in front of it. The main dwellings are just a bit past this area.

As you approach the main dwelling, you’ll climb a sturdy set of wooden steps and enter the main chamber with a soot-covered ceiling. You’ll also notice a few signs with a request to stay on the trail and not to touch any of the walls. This helps preserve these ancient dwellings, so please be respectful!

Now it’s time to explore the rest of these fascinating dwellings. As you move from room to room, the trail is easy to follow. Some of the rooms cannot be seen from the trail due to walls, so wooden ladders have been installed to peek inside.

Take your time and try to imagine what life was like living in these cliffs. Huge open sections offer views of the beautiful Gila National Forest. If you look closely, you’ll see some cave paintings still visible today thanks to the preservation efforts of the National Park Service.

When you’re ready to head back to the parking lot, a steep but sturdy wooden ladder leads back down to the main trail. From here, it’s an easy descent to finish the loop and head back to your car.

Things To Know Before You Go

Hiking the Gila Cliff Dwellings is an exciting adventure for all ages. Below are a few things to know before you head out to explore the cliffs.

• Rules:
  • Stay on the trail: leaving the trail tramples fragile vegetation. Stick to the marked path and do not enter any closed-off rooms within the dwellings.
  • No souvenirs: Don’t collect anything except trash. (Yes, this means no rockies in your pockies 😀)
  • Food & drink: Water is the only thing allowed on the trail. Tobacco products and vaping devices are also prohibited.
  • No touching: The dwelling walls are fragile. Please do not touch, climb, or sit on them.
  • Drones: Drones are not allowed on the trail.
• Elevation gain: 180 feet
• Trail length: 1 mile
• Trail type: Loop with packed gravel and dirt. Ladders, steps, and bridges involved.
• Trail difficulty: Moderate. Almost any hiker can accomplish this trail.
• Summer: Aim for morning or evening hikes to avoid the heat. July and August are monsoon season and can bring sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed on the trail.

Nobody likes restrictions, but these are put in place to protect the cliff dwellings so that future generations can enjoy them.

Other Things To Do In The Gila Wilderness

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is one of the main attractions in the Gila Wilderness, but it’s certainly not the only thing to do here! 

If you’re ready to tackle another adventure while exploring the forest, below are a few options that are bound to pique the interest of any adventurer!

Catwalk Recreation Area

This day-use fee area has a stunning 2.5-mile trail that takes you on an elevated catwalk that traces the old water lines used in the 1890s. The cost is $5 per vehicle.

The Catwalk Recreation Area is located northwest of the cliff dwellings, but you’ll have to drive all the way back down to Silver City before making the trek up to Glenwood. In total, it’s about 2.5 hours from the cliff dwellings despite only being about 20 miles away as the crow flies.

• Location: Catwalk Recreation Area

This is a fun and accessible out-and-back trail for all ages. The catwalk goes slowly uphill until the turnaround point. Along the way, you’ll find informational signs, beautiful scenery, and even a waterfall during the rainy season!

Hiking, Backpacking, And Camping

3.3 million acres and over 1,600 miles of hiking trails await in the Gila National Forest. Trek along the Continental Divide Trail for nearly 250 miles right within the Forest. There really are endless possibilities for hiking in this scenic area!

Dispersed camping is also available in the area, including places close enough to park and walk to the Cliff Dwellings! Our guide on how to find free overnight parking goes over how to find dispersed camping spots.

If you’d prefer comfier accommodations, head over to our partners at Expedia to find a rental home or hotel to stay at near Glenwood, Silver City, or Lake Roberts.

Hot Springs

Hot springs abound in the Gila National Forest thanks to its volcanic history. Most of the hot springs are located along the forks of the Gila River and the San Francisco River. Almost all of the hot springs require a hike to reach them.

Some things to note about the hot springs:

• Clothing optional: Yeah, this was a shocker for us! You may run into some nudists at the springs.
• Temperatures vary: Depending on where the water seeps up, temperatures can vary widely. Test the waters before stepping in.
• Creek crossings: Many of the trails to access the springs require walking across creeks that can be very cold and fast-flowing. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for these conditions.
• Respect: Locals often build specific rings for soaking around the hot springs. Do not disturb or destroy these. Locals do this to create temperature-controlled areas for visitors. 
• Do not dunk your head: A rare amoeba may be present in the warm waters. It enters the body through the nose and is deadly.

This was one of our favorite things we did while camping in the Gila Wilderness. We were lucky enough to meet a local at the springs who shared some history about the area and some stories from back in the day.

AllTrails has a list of the 10 Best Hot Springs Trails in Gila National Forest that is an excellent source of information for how to get to the most popular hot springs as well as some of the hidden gems.

Stargazing

Head over to the Cosmic Campground to view some of the darkest skies on planet Earth. The Cosmic Campground was the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in North America, making it a unique destination for anyone who enjoys stargazing or pondering the mysteries of the universe.

The closest source of light pollution is over 40 miles away in Arizona, and at an elevation of 5,364 feet, Cosmic Campground offers unparalleled views of the sky. They say the stars are so bright here that they cast shadows!

The best part? Staying at the Cosmic Campground is free! It’s on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re bringing a telescope, they even have four concrete telescope pads available.

You can find the Cosmic Campground near Glenwood, just north of the Catwalk Recreation Area.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: Wrap-Up Session

If you’re traveling through southwest New Mexico, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is definitely a stop worth taking. Located at a slightly higher elevation, it stays cool in the summer and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

Just to recap, the hike to the Gila Cliff Dwellings is a moderate, 1-mile loop. In addition to the cliff dwellings, there are plenty of other things to do in the wilderness, like hiking, backpacking, soaking in the hot springs, and stargazing in one of the darkest destinations on planet Earth.

Regarding your furbags, you’ll have to leave them behind to visit the Cliff Dwellings. But otherwise, dogs are welcome to accompany you on most other adventures in this beautiful National Forest.

Until next time, give your furbag an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful land! For more destination guides like this one, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!