Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Picnic table, Fire ring

For thousands of years, groups of ancient nomads used caves above the Gila River as temporary shelter. In the late 1200s, people of the agricultural Mogollon (Southern Ancestral Pueblo) culture made it a home. They built rooms, crafted pottery and raised children in the cliff dwellings for one or two generations. By approximately 1300, the Mogollon had moved on, leaving the walls behind.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Looking Back in Time

Tularosa Phase Mogollon people made these caves their home in the late 1200's.

Winter Solstice Sunrise at Gila Cliff Dwellings

Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and dwellings at Gila Cliff Dwellings.

A Place to Call Home

Most of the dwellings walls are original. Some even preserve a builder's fingerprints that are over 700 years old.

Mogollon Cliff Dwelling with T Door

The T-shaped door suggests trade between Mogollon and Ancestral Puebloan.

View of the Gila River Valley near Gila Cliff Dwellings NM

The Oldest Wilderness Area in the United States Awaits.

Gila National Forest Approach to Gila National Monument in Winter

Winter wonderland along the Gila River

Eroded Cliffs Along the Gila River

As the first designated Wilderness Area, the Gila offers endless opportunites peaceful reflection.

Tent area

Driveway

Picnic table, Fire ring

RecAreaDirections

Passenger vehicles can drive north of Silver City, New Mexico to the monument on NM Hwy 15. The 46 mile trip can take up to two hours due to the narrow and mountainous curving nature of the road.

Large RVs and vehicles pulling trailers should NOT use NM Hwy 15. From Silver City, take US Highway 180 to Santa Clara. Turn left onto NM Hwy 152 and drive to San Lorenzo. At San Lorenzo, turn left onto NM Hwy 35 and follow it to its termination at NM Hwy 15. Turn right on NM Hwy 15 and follow signs to the park.

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Permits info

Facilities

Upper Scorpion Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Upper Scorpion Campground provides primitive camping opportunities within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, and tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served. This campground does not support RVs or Camper Vans.

Lower Scorpion Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Lower Scorpion Campground provides primitive camping opportunities within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, and tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served. This campground does not support RVs or Camper Vans.

Gila Visitor Center Facility

Visitors can get information for visiting the park and watch an orientation film, and tour the museum.

WNPA Trailhead Bookstore Facility

At the Trailhead Bookstore, you will find our park store operated by the Western National Parks Association. Many items related to the park, the Gila Wilderness, and to the Continental Divide Trail are available, as well as souvenirs and American Indian crafts. Park staff are available to answer questions and help plan visits. Come discover your heritage and your public lands.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database