Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Ancient cliff dwellings in Catron County, United States.
Description
Gila Cliff Dwellings is an archaeological site with five natural caves containing about 40 rooms built into the rock face above Cliff Dweller Canyon. The structures feature wooden frames and reveal how residents organized their living spaces within the stone.
History
The wooden structures were built between 1276 and 1287, marking a period of rapid construction by Mogollon communities. The residents later abandoned this location, and their reasons for moving remain unclear.
Culture
The settlement demonstrates how Mogollon communities adapted their homes to natural rock formations and the surrounding landscape. The remaining objects reveal details about daily life and the skills of those who lived here.
Practical
Visitors reach the caves via a 1-mile walking path, with stairs available for the return journey and making the climb more manageable. Comfortable shoes and time for the uphill walk are essential for a good experience.
Did you know?
The dry climate has preserved rare textiles and tools that would normally deteriorate over centuries. These objects provide an unusually detailed picture of the material aspects of life in this ancient settlement.
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