We’ve seen quite a few Native American ruins; Tonto National Monument, Mesa Cliff Dwellings, the dwellings at Montezuma’s Well, Tuzigoot just to name a few. Out of all that we’ve explored, the Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico are probably the most impressive.
These Mogollon ruins in the Gila Wilderness are built into steep-sided canyons with shallow spring rivers on either side of the canyon. It is an easy and very scenic half-mile hike (1-mile round trip) over which visitors traverse over several foot-bridges before reaching the impressive dwellings.
These cliff dwellings were used by various groups starting in the 1200s when it was occupied by about a dozen family groups of the Mogollon culture.
Can you spot the petroglyph of a red man?
Another petroglyph:
| Gila Cliff Dwellings Overview | ||
| Coordinates / Address 33.2238, -108.2428 |
Fees / Permit Age 16+: $10/person; FREE for 15 & under |
Difficulty Easy (1 mile RT) |
| Usage Moderate |
Pets allowed No. They may be left in kennels at the Contact Station at no charge. |
Camera Info Canon 5D Mark IV + 24-70mm f/2.8L II |