• Visitors hike along the base of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

    Gila Cliff Dwellings

    National Monument New Mexico

Rivers and Streams

A photo of the Gila River viewed from Route 15 enroute to the Cliff Dwellings

Gila River viewed from Route 15

NPS Photo by Barry Nielsen

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument lies at the confluence of the West and Middle Forks of the Gila River. At this point the rivers are usually less than fifty feet wide and about a foot deep. Hikers should be aware that during the rainy season of July-September, runoff from rains in distant canyons may create flash floods.

Gila River flow data maintained by US Geological Suvey

Did You Know?

Agave Thistle Needle

The ancient Puebloans of the Mogollon area used the spiny tips of leaves from the agave plant as needles for sewing. This item is in the Visitor Center Museum at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.