Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Silver City, NM – Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument announces that Cliff Dweller Trail with access to the cliff dwellings, the visitor center, and WNPA bookstore are open. The park will continue to monitor CDC and recommendations from public health authorities to modify its operations accordingly.
Cliff Dweller Trail is a moderately strenuous one-mile round trip, and generally takes between 1 and 1½ hours to complete. If you are planning on hiking up to the dwellings, we suggest wearing layers, wearing sturdy shoes, and bringing plenty of water, despite the cooler weather. No other food or flavored drinks are allowed on the trail.
The operating hours will not affect Gila National Forest or Gila Wilderness trails or corral facilities. For more information about the Gila National Forest please go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila
The health and safety of those who visit and work in national parks continues to be paramount. Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases while enjoying the outdoors.
Park rangers remain on duty to protect visitors and resources and uphold normal regulations. When recreating, the public is encouraged to follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, social distance and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. In some circumstances visitors should be prepared for limited access to services.
We urge visitors to park only in designated areas, pack out everything you bring into a park, plan a visit at times other than busiest of the day, have a face mask available for immediate use and maintain social distance from other visitors, and if you encounter a crowded trail-head or overlook, seek another location to recreate.
Remember you can #RecreateResponsibly by following these easy tips:
• Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.
• Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.
• Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.
• Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.
• Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas . Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.