Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was once the home of the Mogollon Puebloan people. They built houses inside of natural caves in Cliff Dweller Canyon using rock, mortar, and wood between 1276 and 1287. After only a few decades, the Puebloans abandoned their homes for reasons anthropologists debate to this day. The site at Cliff Dweller Canyon consists of around 40 rooms with pit houses and surface pueblos in the surrounding region.

The trail to the Gila Cliff Dwellings is short and steep. After crossing the West Fork of the Gila River, the path criss-crosses over Cliff Dweller Creek as it ascends to the ruins. There are seven natural caves containing ruins and evidence of use, and the trail passes three of them. Visitors are able to climb ladders and designated staircases to peer over walls and see into rooms. A ranger is present in caves three and four to answer questions. Guided tours are available, except during the winter season.