Accessibility

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument has accessibility limitations for people with certain health, vision or mobility impairments. The rugged area terrain is made up of steep cliffs, deep canyons, and narrow trails that can be a danger to all visitors.

Physical/Mobility Impairments
Designated accessible parking is available at the Gila Visitor Center and at the trailhead to Cliff Dweller Trail where the Trailhead Bookstore is located. Parking spots are marked with the international access symbol. These reserved spots require displaying an accessibility placard or license plate.

The monument has an elevation between 5,700 and 6,000 feet and the surrounding area's elevation is between 5,500 and 8,000 feet. Visitors with heart or respiratory conditions, especially those who live at lower altitudes, may have difficulty breathing at this altitude. Our recommendation is to allow yourself plenty of time, know your personal limitations, take multiple breaks along the trail, and drink plenty of fluids.

Because the trail to the cliff dwellings is unpaved, steeply graded, and includes many steps, stairs and ladders, it does not meet accessibility standards. Wheeled vehicles, such as wheelchairs and baby strollers, are not able to access the trail. Access to the interior of the dwellings requires the use of several staircases.

A portion of the Trail to the Past, located at the Lower Scorpion Campgrouns, is unpaved but wheelchair accessible. This short 1/4 mile trail starts in the parking lot near the bathrooms. At the "T" junction in the trail take a right and continue to the end of the trail. Here you can see several pictographs along the cliff face.

The Gila Visitor Center, including the museum, and the Trailhead Bookstore meet all accessibility standards for people with mobility limitations.
A model of 3 of the Cliff Dwellings' caves sits on a table as a man towers over it with paintbrush in hand, adding the final touches.
Artist Tom Fitzgerald completed this "Please Touch" model of the Cliff Dwellings in 1989 to allow those with serious vision impairments to "see" the monument through their hands. For this and other material aids, speak to the staff at the trailhead.

NPS Photo

Low Vision/Vision Impairments

Large print & Braille versions of the official Gila Cliff Dwellings brochure are available. Ask park staff about getting a copy for your use.

Audio/Visual Assistance

The park film shown in the Gila Visitor Center is captioned. Captions play automatically; if they do not, please inform park staff who will be happy to assist you.

If you have any other questions about visiting the monument with a disability, please contact us by email or by phone 575-536-9461.

Last updated: November 6, 2021

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

26 Jim Bradford Trail
Mimbres, NM 88049

Phone:

575-536-9461

Contact Us

Tools