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Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, situated in the Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico, was founded on November 16, 1907. The Gila National Forest is nation’s first designated wilderness area and is located near the headwaters of the Gila River. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is an archaeological site that encompasses an area of nearly 533 acres (2.15 sq-km). This U. S. National Monument lies in a craggy city, 30 miles (48 km) north of the Silver City.

These cliff dwellings were inhabited by the people of the Mogollon culture from the 1280s through the early 1300s. Today, the dwellings look much like they did when they were inhabited. They reflect the history of the Mogollon culture and the lifestyle of the Indian people who lived here in the past. The Monument comprises of several groups of small and well-preserved dwellings made of stone masonry. These rooms are built in 5 natural caves situated in huge, scenic, sandstone bluffs. As many as 46 such rooms have been identified by the archaeologists at the Gila Cliff Dwellings till date. The Monument also includes a Contact Station and a Visitor Center.

The most popular tourist activities in the area are hiking the Aldo Leopold and Gila Wilderness areas. Besides, there are many popular hot springs nearby. The closest is the Light-feather and the most popular is Jordan. The former is just a 20 minute walk from the visitor center while the latter is a 6-8 mile (10-13 km) hike from the Visitor Center. The Cliff Dwellings can be accessed via the 1 mile (1.6 km) trail. However, this trail is rough and craggy, and is not wheelchair accessible.

• Mailing Address: HC 68 Box 100, Silver City, NM 88061
• Telephone: (505) 536-9461
• Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM daily (From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the cliff dwellings trail is open from 8 AM to 6 PM)
  
• Website: www.rosewellmuseum.org

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