Cliff Dweller Trail with access to the cliff dwellings, the Visitor Center, and the WNPA bookstore are open daily. Please check our Operating Hours and Seasons page for current hours.
The Cliff Dweller trail is located rext to the Bookstore at the trailhead parking lot.
The Cliff Dweller Trail is a moderately strenuous one-mile round trip, and generally takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete. You will be climbing roughly 180 ft to just below 6000ft above sea level.If you are planning on hiking up to the dwellings, we suggest wearing layers, wearing sturdy shoes, and bringing plenty of water, especially during hot weather. No other food or flavored drinks are allowed on the trail. No pets are allowed on the trail to the Cliff Dwellings.
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
Park rangers remain on duty to protect visitors and resources and uphold normal regulations.
We urge visitors to park only in designated areas and pack out everything you bring in.
Remember you can #RecreateResponsibly by following these easy tips:
- Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
When visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings, remember to give yourself time!
You need time to drive to the Monument. The 44-mile trip from Silver City will take at least 1-1/2 hours and up to 2 hours due to the mountainous and winding nature of the road.
You need time to walk the trail to the dwellings. Allow 1 to 2 hours to complete the trail. Please plan accordingly and check our current Operating Hours to ensure you will have time to explore and discover the dwellings.
The Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness Areas are perfect opportunities to connect with the natural world. However, you need to be prepared for wilderness conditions before you head out. Plan your trip carefully and think twice about venturing into the Wilderness if you are not an experienced hiker. Water availability is highly variable depending on time of year and weather conditions. Trails may-- or may not--be obvious to you and signs are often found, but not a guarantee. For trail information, please contact the Gila National Forest at 575-536-2250.
Cell phones do NOT work anywhere in the region. You must be prepared to be self-reliant under all conditions.
