Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is an early Native American historical site in Catron County, New Mexico. Covering 533 acres (216 ha) it is located within the Gila Wilderness - the first wilderness area to be established in the United States - in southwestern New Mexico. The national monument was established by President Theodore Roosevelt on 16 November, 1907.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings were carved into the rugged face of the cliff, at an elevation of 5,700 ft to 6,000 ft. The cliff, which was formed by volcanic activity, is punctuated by a network of cave tunnels dug by the Mogollon people, between AD 1275 and 1300.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GilaCliffDwellings_Interior.jpg
Author: Howcheng


Archaeologists have recorded up to 46 chambers in five cave groupings. There is no known reason why the dwellings were abandoned, though oral tradition of the Hopi people point to climate change that made the site inhospitable.

In addition to the living quarters, the Gila Cliff Dwellings have also yielded a number of mummies. Many of the early mummies have disappeared into private collections. A documented burial site uncovered in 1912 produced the mummy of an infant, which archaeologists named Zeke. Now house at the Smithsonian, it is the only mummy to be brought there from Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Entrance to one of the Gila Cliff Dwellings
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gila_nm_%28entrance%29.jpg
Author: Martin1971

Visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico

From Interstate 10, turn off at Exit 81 (Deming) then continue on N Gold Ave (US Highway 180), passing Bayard and Santa Clara towards Silver City. At Silver City, turn right to Pinos Altos Rd (State Route 15) all the way to the site.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument visitor center is open every day of the year, including all holidays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entrance fee is $10 per family (with the family unit defined as two parents and children) or $3 per person aged 16 and above.

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