Monday, August 12, 2013

Gila Cliff Dwellings

One of the reasons we chose this part of New Mexico was to be able to visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument - another notch on my NPS Passport cancellation belt!   After visiting Montezuma's Castle several years ago, we were intrigued at the possibility of being able to actually go into the ruins.  And Gila Cliff Dwellings did not disappoint.
The hike to the caves is approximately 1 mile and we happened to arrive just in time to join a ranger tour.  We were so glad this happened!  The ranger tour was so informative - making the dwellings come alive.
The village was built over 700 years ago.  Let that number sink in while you think about the fact that their masonry walls are still standing.  Several of the rooms were plastered on the interior and you could see the fingerprints of the craftsman.  Amazing!
Since the caves are perched on a cliff, it isn't exactly handicapped accessible but it is well worth the effort to reach it.

iii

5 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I have always wanted to go there! It looks so amazing.

George said...

I would love to be able to visit these dwellings. The fact that they are so old makes them even more amazing.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Looks like an awesome place to visit... Wow--700 years ago??? Amazing!!!! Glad you could join a ranger tour.

Hugs,
Betsy

Busy Bee Suz said...

700 years? And they are still there? I need a builder like that.
XO

Desert Survivor said...

Lucky you! I want to go there!