Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is at the end of a remote road, protected by high mountains and isolated from any large city influences. The drive from Silver city to the cliff dwellings took 2 hours to cover a mere 45 miles. The curves and bends along the mountain road showcased the rugged terrain in ways speeding down a modern highway couldn't. Because we were driving so slow we were able to see wild turkey and deer, among other animals in the forest. Additionally, changes in elevation played games with our ears as we meandered by one beautiful vista after another. Elise commented how the mountain ranges, reddish rocks, and forest reminded her of Purmamarca, Argentina and also some of the remote parts around Chachapoyas, in Peru. I thought it was amazing how her memory connected these areas so precisely while cruising down a road, in New Mexico. Goes to show you, once you've seen something, you cannot unsee it.
From an outdoor enthusiast's perspective it doesn't get any better than Gila National Forest. There are hundreds of well marked campsites throughout this region providing campers ample opportunity to enjoy the forest and streams. Animals ranging from bears to squirrels are abundant, so coming close to nature is a reality here.
This is an area where history, nature, and wide open spaces mingle in the most beautiful ways. This is probably why my wife compared this spot to those picturesque places in South America. As for the cliff dwellings, experiencing them is like walking back time, in somebody else's moccasins. Seeing the kitchen with smoke soot still on the ceiling, pantries with remnant food, and cozy sleeping areas, added to the realness of a way of life, long since forgotten. History is more fun when you can touch it and experience it from another perspective. Places like this make learning about our past fun. Places like this make experiencing the outdoors fun. Places like this are best protected for all to enjoy.
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| These Native American cliff dwellings are believed to be about 800 years old. |
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| The girls gazing into the horizon from high atop their cliff dwelling perch. |
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| Zoe climbing the tallest ladder to the dwellings. |
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| This place felt special from the moment we entered the valley. |
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| Intact ruins, including wood beams, were impressive to see. |
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| A community lived here but park officials aren't sure for how long. |
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| The organic design of the dwelling made it architecturally pleasing. |
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| Without much of the effects of weathering, these ruins remain surprisingly well preserved. |
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| The cave ceiling was more than 20 feet in some spots. |
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| Seeing a communal structure such as this, brings Native American history to life. |
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| An ancient food pantry from a bygone era. |
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| 800 year old corn cobs gave the ruins a more human feel and also demonstrated the shift from a more hunter gatherer society to a more agricultural society. |
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| The cliff dwelling contained many buildings and could have accommodated many people during it's zenith. |
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| The views were stunning from the cliff hideout and one could see how this place could be easily defended in times of war. |
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| My daughter, Sierra, is now starting to take photographs with my cell phone. Here, she was inspired when she looked up and saw how light, shadows, openness, and nature came together for a perfect shot. |
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| Fire is not the end but the beginning of a new cycle in the forest. |
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| Some of the rarest trout in North America, the Gila trout. |
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| Other side of that rock face are the cliff dwellings. |
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| The scenery of the area and the tranquility make this valley a backpacker's delight. |
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