Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Catron County

Inception: November 16, 1907

Website: https://nps.gov/gicl

GPS coordinates: 33.22681,-108.26965

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01