{"id":"nps-gicl","slug":"gila-cliff-dwellings-national-monument","name":"Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument","designation":"National Monument","category":"national-monument","categoryLabel":"National Monument","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"GICL","designation":"National Monument","sourceId":"nps-gicl"},{"code":"USFS","name":"USDA Forest Service","department":"U.S. Department of Agriculture","url":"https://www.fs.usda.gov","unitCode":"1038534010288","designation":"National Monument","sourceId":"usfs-od-1038534010288"}],"states":["NM"],"stateNames":["New Mexico"],"location":{"lat":33.22715258,"lon":-108.2706711},"bbox":[-108.2794,33.2193,-108.2362,33.2342],"acres":{"value":539,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"For thousands of years, groups of nomads used the caves above Cliff Dweller Creek as temporary shelter. In the late 1200s, people of the agricultural Mogollon (Southern Ancestral Pueblo) culture made it a home. They built rooms, crafted pottery and raised children in the cliff dwellings for one or two generations. By approximately 1300, the Mogollon had moved on, leaving the walls behind.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[{"id":"ppl-m-gila-cliff-dwellings","type":"protected","label":"Protected by T.R.","date":"1907-11-16","then":"Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument","thenKind":"national monument","text":"As President, Theodore Roosevelt set aside it (1907-11-16).","note":"Mogollon homes built into cliff caves above a fork of the Gila River. The proclamation called them 'the best representative of the Cliff-Dwellers' remains of that region.'","sources":[{"url":"https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-781-establishment-the-gila-cliff-dwellings-national-monument-new-mexico","name":"presidency.ucsb.edu"},{"url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20200214180323/https://www.nps.gov/archeology/sites/antiquities/monumentslist.htm","name":"web.archive.org"},{"name":"Roosevelt’s Public Lands","url":"https://publiclands.labs.trlibrary.com/#place=m-gila-cliff-dwellings"}],"dataset":"publiclands","reviewed":true},{"id":"ea-proc-781","type":"executive-action","label":"Traces to a T.R. proclamation or order","date":"1907-11-16","document":"Proclamation 781","title":"Establishment of the Gila Cliff-Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico","relation":"began with this document","text":"Proclamation 781 (1907-11-16): “Establishment of the Gila Cliff-Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico.” Today’s site began with this document.","note":"Now 533 acres in two units; the only park system unit with Mogollon sites.","sources":[{"name":"Proclamation 781 in Theodore Roosevelt’s Executive Orders and Proclamations","url":"https://executiveactions.labs.trlibrary.com/document.html?id=proc-781"},{"name":"National Park Service"}],"dataset":"executiveactions","reviewed":true}],"trTypes":["protected","executive-action"],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/gicl/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=33.2342&b_tl_lng=-108.2794&b_br_lat=33.2193&b_br_lng=-108.2362","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Gila%20Cliff%20Dwellings%20National%20Monument","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C83FFEC-1DD8-B71B-0B6EC625F8E23652.jpg","title":"Winter Solstice Sunrise at Gila Cliff Dwellings","alt":"Sunrise view of Gila Cliff Dwellings with brilliant sky.","caption":"Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the canyon and dwellings at Gila Cliff Dwellings.","credit":"NPS/Janice Wei","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C8401BB-1DD8-B71B-0B29C3E110725BF2.jpg","title":"Looking Back in Time","alt":"View of Mogollon dwelling rooms within a cave.","caption":"Tularosa Phase Mogollon people made these caves their home in the late 1200's.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C83FE38-1DD8-B71B-0B088D92FBB7939E.jpg","title":"A Place to Call Home","alt":"Cliff Dwellings walls and rooms with narrow catwalk","caption":"Most of the dwellings walls are original. Some even preserve a builder's fingerprints that are over 700 years old.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C83FC70-1DD8-B71B-0BB95811DA8D8522.jpg","title":"Mogollon Cliff Dwelling with T Door","alt":"Exterior view of Mogollon Cliff Dwelling","caption":"The T-shaped door suggests trade between Mogollon and Ancestral Puebloan.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C84C55C-1DD8-B71B-0B2357EE2D760C54.jpg","title":"View of the Gila River Valley near Gila Cliff Dwellings NM","alt":"Distant view of Gila river valley and mountains beyond.","caption":"The Oldest Wilderness Area in the United States Awaits.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/C09CF975-1DD8-B71B-0BC5FE23911C9819.jpg","title":"Gila National Forest Approach to Gila National Monument in Winter","alt":"Light snowfall on red rock cliffs along river.","caption":"Winter wonderland along the Gila River","credit":"NPS Photo/VIP Janice Wei","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/C17A9A3D-1DD8-B71B-0B76151956BDE7ED.jpg","title":"Eroded Cliffs Along the Gila River","alt":"Eroded cliffs reflecting off a river","caption":"As the first designated Wilderness Area, the Gila offers endless opportunites peaceful reflection.","credit":"NPS Photo/Janice Wei","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Astronomy","Stargazing","Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Junior Ranger Program","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Archeology","Cliff Dwellings","Explorers and Expeditions","Farming and Agriculture","Military","Cavalry","Wars and Conflicts","Tribal Conflicts","Indian and Frontier Wars","Westward Expansion","Homesteading","Animals","Birds","Cats (wild)","Elk","Fish","Wolves","Caves, Caverns and Karst","Canyons and Canyonlands","Climate Change","Fire","Foothills, Plains and Valleys","Plateaus and Mesas","Forests and Woodlands","Coniferous Forests","Geology","Geothermal","Hot Springs","Mountains","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Scenic Views","Unique Species","Rare","Endangered","Volcanoes","Watersheds","Headwaters","Wilderness"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument","description":"The National Monument and Visitor Center are open all year and are closed only for Thanksgiving Day (the 4th Thursday of November), Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1).","standardHours":{"wednesday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","monday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","thursday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","sunday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","tuesday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","friday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM","saturday":"9:00AM - 4:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Thanksgiving","start":"2026-11-26","end":"2026-11-26","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}},{"name":"Christmas","start":"2026-12-25","end":"2026-12-25","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}},{"name":"New Year's Day","start":"2027-01-01","end":"2027-01-01","hours":{"wednesday":"Closed","monday":"Closed","thursday":"Closed","sunday":"Closed","tuesday":"Closed","friday":"Closed","saturday":"Closed"}}]}],"directions":"Passenger vehicles can drive north of Silver City, New Mexico to the monument on NM Hwy 15. The 46 mile trip can take up to two hours due to the narrow and mountainous curving nature of the road. RVs and vehicles pulling trailers should NOT use NM Hwy 15. From Silver City, take US Highway 180 to Santa Clara. Turn left onto NM Hwy 152 and drive to San Lorenzo. At San Lorenzo, turn left onto NM Hwy 35 and follow it to its termination at NM Hwy 15. Turn right on NM Hwy 15 and follow signs to the park.","weatherInfo":"Weather is extremely variable. Summers are usually around 90° F. but approach 100° F. Winters have occasional snow or temperatures near 0° F. Thunderstorms are common in the summer and early fall, usually in the afternoon. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.2296&lon=-108.2639#.YUX0_SuSmUk","contacts":{"phone":"(575) 323-2904","email":"gicl_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"WNP Park Store","description":"At the trailhead to the cliff dwellings, you will find our park store operated by the Western National Parks. Many items related to the park, the Gila Wilderness, and to the Continental Divide Trail are available, as well as souvenirs and American Indian crafts. Park staff are available to answer questions and help plan visits. Come discover your heritage and your public lands.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/directions.htm","lat":33.229426738929,"lon":-108.26484560966492},{"name":"Gila Visitor Center","description":"Visitors can get information for visiting the park and watch an orientation film, and tour the museum.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":33.2238206084,"lon":-108.24170165}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Upper Scorpion Campground","description":"Upper Scorpion Campground is a partially developed campground within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off of NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":12},{"name":"Lower Scorpion Campground","description":"Lower Scorpion Campground is a partially developed campground within walking distance of the West Fork of the Gila River. The campground is located less than one mile from the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument just off NM State Highway 15. Drinking water is available, tables and grills are provided at select sites. Vault toilets are available on site. Camping is free of charge and first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/gicl/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":7}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"gila-national-forest","km":12},{"slug":"apache-national-forest","km":95},{"slug":"gila-box-riparian-national-conservation-area","km":115},{"slug":"cibola-national-forest","km":130},{"slug":"organ-mountains-desert-peaks-national-monument","km":138},{"slug":"bosque-del-apache-national-wildlife-refuge","km":144}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=gicl"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"},{"name":"USFS nationally designated areas","url":"https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/rest/services/EDW/EDW_OtherNationalDesignatedArea_01/MapServer/0"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.613Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Water Availability","text":"There is NO water at the scorpion campgrounds and the trailhead for the cliff dwellings. Water is available at the Visitor Center, Woody's corral and TJ's corral.","url":null,"updated":"2025-09-25 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-F93E9C9B-1838-4CBF-A85A-A9C466AEDFC4"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"No Pets are allowed on the Cliff Dwelling Trail","text":"Pets are not allowed onto the Gila Cliff Dwelling Trail. Kennels are available at the Trailhead on a First Come First Serve basis and are available to those that are going on the Cliff Dwelling Trail not the Wilderness trails.","url":null,"updated":"2025-08-24 12:50:13.0","id":"nps-41CDC927-1CE9-46DC-8AEA-E17CD54A4D13"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Secure trash and food","text":"Pack it in, pack it out! There are no trash services in or around the monument. All food & trash must be secured inside a vehicle. Ravens routinely open zipped bags & tear into trash bags left outside or in the bed of a truck.","url":null,"updated":"2025-03-28 11:34:43.0","id":"nps-18C53E4B-AADD-4C8C-88E1-B13DC3FB6452"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/gila-cliff-dwellings-national-monument/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/gila-cliff-dwellings-national-monument.geojson"}