Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

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Welcome to Gila Cliff Dwellings

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers a glimpse into the homes and lives of the Mogollon people who lived in this area over 700 years ago.

		Gila National Forest The monument is surrounded by the Gila National Forest and lies within the rugged Gila Wilderness, the nation’s first wilderness area. The wilderness designation means that the wilderness character of the area will not be altered by the intrusion of roads or other evidence of human presence. More...

Tour of the Gila Bike Race April 29-May 3

Racing bicyclists will be on the roads leading to the Gila Cliff Dwellings from the Silver City area April 29-May 3. Visitors should be alert to bicycle traffic and be particularly careful. Some roads will be closed during race times. Visitors may want to choose a different time to visit.

The road closures that directly effect the monument are:

* Thursday, April 30, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hwy 15 closed Pinos Altos to the intersection of NM Hwy 35.

* Sunday, May 3, 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hwy 15 closed from the "Y" in Pinos Altos to the intersection of NM Hwy 35.

The race continues back on 35. This race continues all the way up to the Visitor Center and returns to Silver City on Hwy 35. There will be heavy bicycle traffic on 15 and 35 both days.

Temporary Closings of Road Portions, Some Parking Lots, and Two Camping Areas - LIFTED

Until permanent repairs to the West Fork bridge have been made, the last one mile of road to the Cliff Dwellings may be closed except for day-use vehicle traffic if flooding rains are anticipated. This closure would be between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM. In this case the Cliff Dwellings parking lot and the Upper and Lower Scorpion campgrounds parking areas would be day-use (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) only for tours and picnicking, with no overnight camping or parking. The parking lots at the West Fork Trail Head (to USFS Trail 151) and the TJ Corral and Trail Head (USFS Trail 729) would be open only for walk-in use by hikers and backpackers, with parking for those users available at Woody's Corral.

Woody's Corral and the Trail Head (USFS Trail 160) parking area, just before the West Fork Bridge, are open for day and overnight camping and parking. Also open for day and overnight parking are the Visitor Center parking lot and the Middle Fork Trail Head (USFS Trail 157) parking area.

Any closings and restrictions would remain until flood threats have ceased, and could be expanded as conditions change. Please call the Visitor Center at 575-536-9461 for up to date information.

Write to

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
HC 68 Box 100
Silver City, New Mexico 88061

E-mail Us

Phone

Gila Visitor Center
(575) 536-9461

Fax

(575) 536-9344

Climate

The park has a mild climate, with a rainy season usually from July through August. Spring and Fall have moderate days and cool nights. Winter months often have nice afternoons with cold mornings and nights.
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