You Can Find A Fascinating 700 Year-Old Archaeological Site At Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument In New Mexico
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 17, 2020
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Visitors are undoubtedly aware that there are archaeological sites in New Mexico. This pretty state has transfixed humans for thousands of years, starting with the Clovis culture and continuing to do so even in this modern age. One of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the state is, believe it or not, open to the public. This site, known as Gila Cliff Dwellings, is one of the few historical structures of its kind that welcomes respectful visitors into its historic rooms. This is a site you won’t want to pass up!
Tucked away in the unsuspecting New Mexico landscape is a series of structures built by indigenous inhabitants nearly one thousand years ago.
From the comfort of these beautiful and historic structures, visitors can take in the splendor of a long-gone time or they can take in nature through bird watching and hiking. The surrounding acreage hosts an incredible array of wildlife, meaning hiking, camping, stargazing, and more in the area is always a stellar experience.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a 533-acre national monument established to protect rooms, stairs, and other features built by the Mogollon culture.
We know this timeline thanks to dendrochronology, or the study of tree rings. Most wood pieces used in the construction of these unusual sites were harvested between 1275 and 1287.
Advertisement
Gila Cliff Dwellings is one of the few remaining parks to allow visitors into these historic caves and structures, so you'll want to plan your trip accordingly to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
The park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m., although visitors already at the monuments will have an extra hour to make their way out. As civilization is a bit of a ways out from this site, you'll want to leave early enough to ensure you can spend all possible time at these archaeological wonders. Following Memorial Day, you can take advantage of guided tours through the area.
The drive from Silver City is circa 44 miles one way, and the winding mountain roads don't exactly make travel a breeze. After a drive that could take up to two hours, you'll have a lengthy hike ahead of you, so wear proper footwear and dress for the excursion.
Once you make it to the ruins, all the hassle will be well worth it.
While this culture consisted of hunter-gatherers, the people that lived here also undoubtedly grew food. Unfortunately, as both of those endeavors became more challenging, the residents of the Gila Cliff Dwellings had to move on in search of more fertile land.
You'll enjoy experiencing history firsthand at the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is the best of the many archaeological sites in New Mexico. Have you ever visited this unique landmark? We’d love to hear about your experience!
This collection of cliff dwellings isn’t the only such place in New Mexico. For more, check out the Puye Cliff Dwellings!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
