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Gila Cliff Dwellings Loop

Gila National Forest, New Mexico · 3 min read

Distance
1 mi
Elevation Gain
175 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
Year-round
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 700-year-old Mogollon cliff dwellings preserved in natural cave alcoves
  • Walk-through access inside the actual dwelling rooms
  • Gila River riparian canyon setting
  • Short, accessible approach with significant historical depth
  • Ranger-led tours available at scheduled times

Overview

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument sits within the outer boundary of Gila National Forest at the end of NM-15, a 44-mile winding drive north of Silver City. The 1-mile loop trail climbs to the cave alcoves containing the preserved rooms and walls of a Mogollon village occupied in the late 1200s, walking inside the actual structures through doorways and between room walls that have stood for seven centuries.

The monument is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the USFS, and an entry fee is charged for the cliff dwellings themselves (as of 2026). The visitor center has interpretive exhibits on Mogollon culture and the history of the site.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 0.4: Visitor Center to Canyon Crossing

The trail begins at the visitor center and follows a path along the Gila River's West Fork through riparian cottonwood and willow. A footbridge crosses the creek before the trail begins climbing toward the cliff face.

Miles 0.4 to 0.7: Cliff Approach and Dwelling Entry

The trail climbs a series of stone steps to the cave level, reaching the lowest dwelling alcoves at mile 0.5. The main cave system extends across five alcoves containing more than 40 rooms. Visitors walk through the rooms, ducking through doorways and examining original plaster, timbers, and stonework.

Miles 0.7 to 1.0: Return Loop

The loop descends from the upper alcoves back to the trailhead via a different route.

When to Hike

Year-round the monument is accessible, though the visitor center and guided tours may have seasonal hours. The canyon setting keeps temperatures moderate.

Spring and fall are most comfortable. Summer afternoons in the canyon can be warm.

Winter brings quiet and cool temperatures. The canyon riparian area is attractive in all seasons.

What to Bring

Wear sturdy shoes with grip for the stone steps inside the dwellings. Bring water; the visitor center has water available. No photography restrictions inside the dwellings but respect the structures.

Trailhead Access

The visitor center is located at the end of NM-15 approximately 44 miles from Silver City. An entry fee applies for the monument (as of 2026). Flush restrooms, water, and a small bookstore at the visitor center. Adjacent campground has 40 sites, first-come, first-served. No dogs on the trail.

Nearby

Gila River Canyon Trail departs from the same visitor center area and takes hikers into the Gila Wilderness. Little Bear Canyon Trail provides a short canyon walk for those wanting more time in the riparian zone.

Check monument hours and tour schedules at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles and do not touch, chip, or remove anything from the dwelling structures.

Trailhead Parking

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument visitor center at the end of NM-15. Paved parking area with full facilities.

← Back to Gila National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
Yes. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument charges an entry fee separate from any USFS fee (as of 2026). The America the Beautiful Pass covers the monument entry fee. Verify current fees before visiting.
Are dogs allowed at Gila Cliff Dwellings?
Dogs are not allowed on the cliff dwellings trail within the National Monument boundary. They may be left in vehicles or on a leash in the parking area only.
Who built the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
The dwellings were built and occupied by the Mogollon people in the late 1200s. The Mogollon culture occupied a broad area of the Southwest for over a thousand years. The Gila dwellings were abandoned around 1300 CE for reasons not fully understood.