Gila National Forest
Gila National Forest
5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
199 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
25
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Alfredo C
12 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
The long drive to the Gila Cliff Dwellings from Silver City (around 2 hours) is already part of the fun, so don’t try to rush. You drive through the Gila NationalForest on a narrow and winding mountain road. The road is well maintained, paved throughout, although for a long stretch it has no midline markings. But in rain it must be very difficult. Every so often you will find a good spot to stop and take in some fantastic views. At the end of the road is the visitor center, where they show a useful short film and have interesting exhibits on both the wildlife of the area and some of the artifacts collected in the archeological site. One mile more and you get to the dwellings site itself. The trail is a loop over a mile long, on the moderate side and with wonderful vistas. Although you climb a fair number of steps, there are many spots where you can catch your breath along the way. Halfway through you get to the dwellings. They are remarkably well preserved, and one gets the sense of what it must have been like to live there 700 years ago. We met park rangers in various spots, and they were always happy to answer a question or point to something worth seeing. The whole loop takes you a bit over an hour, perhaps more if you linger at your leisure in the ruins. At the trailhead there is a useful book and gift shop. As you drive back, less than a mile from the site there is a camp called Lower Scorpion, where short, easy walks lead you to petroglyphs and to a smaller ancient dwelling. You will have to bring your lunch and have a small picnic. All told, this is a very enjoyable day trip of some 7 hours, starting and ending in Silver City.
Written 12 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Placido
Tucson, AZ715 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
This place is definitely worth a visit if anywhere in the vicinity of Silver City. The hike to the cliff dwellings is quite easy and the loop only will take about an hour and a 1/2 to 2 hours.
There are also two interesting sights very close to the Cliff Dwellings trailhead. At the nearby Lower Scorpion picnic area there are pictographs if one walks off to the right from the parking area. There is also a large sign at the trailhead leading to another small two-room cliff dwelling. The walk takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Onr more tip... As you head back towards Silver City you will pass a Trading Post store a couple of miles down the road on your left. It is definitely worthwhile. They have homemade ice cream that is really truly excellent. The flavour of this month, September 2020, was prickly pear. Wow! They also have other interesting flavours like lemon-berry and offer a really nice selection of gifts in their store. They even have some Acoma pottery.
There are also two interesting sights very close to the Cliff Dwellings trailhead. At the nearby Lower Scorpion picnic area there are pictographs if one walks off to the right from the parking area. There is also a large sign at the trailhead leading to another small two-room cliff dwelling. The walk takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Onr more tip... As you head back towards Silver City you will pass a Trading Post store a couple of miles down the road on your left. It is definitely worthwhile. They have homemade ice cream that is really truly excellent. The flavour of this month, September 2020, was prickly pear. Wow! They also have other interesting flavours like lemon-berry and offer a really nice selection of gifts in their store. They even have some Acoma pottery.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina A
Dallas, TX403 contributions
Jan 2020
We went when there was still snow on the ground. Not very many people so we took our time exploring the rooms. The trek up was beautiful but not for everyone. Steep staircase on front end and ladder at the end but if you go slow it's doable by most. We could imagine the people living, cooking and congregating there. It was very interesting. Don't miss it.
Written 7 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soloman9993
Whitefish, MT459 contributions
Jan 2022
Quite a drive from Silver City. Not long distance, but slow speeds. Well worth it. Unlike most places, you can actually enter the cliff dwellings. A bit of a walk, but not difficult. Be sure to see the petrogliphs that are just an easy 1/4 mile (if that) walk from the lower scorpian camp ground.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dextertalk
Las Cruces, NM67 contributions
Mar 2022
The cliff dwellings are quite spectacular as is the surrounding landscape. We were warned that the many "stairs" as we approached the top would be strenuous. We are both seniors and had no trouble at all - even at 7,000 feet. It is well worth the hike. The park staff are knowledgeable and will answer all your questions. The drive through the forest to get to the dwellings is beautiful - take your time!
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sniffies
Montgomery, TX210 contributions
May 2021
Unfortunately, due to covid, we were not able to go inside of the ruins; we were only able to walk to the site and view the ruins from the pathway. Even at that, it was a beautiful hike along the Gila river up to the ruins. The drive is a very curvy road and you should not be in a hurry to drive.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie B
Surprise, AZ28 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Wonderful day trip! Beautiful scenery - but you better like "curves"! We had wanted to visit the Cliff Dwellings but by the time we got there, the heat was already up in the 90's and (at our age) we weren't up to the hike (a mile +), so we just enjoyed the film at the Visitor Center (very nice!) and walked around a bit, then took the scenic route back through the City of Rocks which was fun and very worth it.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will6468
Morton, IL630 contributions
Mar 2022
Take a day, stop at Don Juan Burritos on your way out of town to share a large burrito for lunch at a scenic stop. Then, go, enjoy the scenery, take your time, soak in the landscape variety. It's an awesome drive.
Visit the Cliff dwelling, easy walk and imagine their lifestyle. Not many stairs, easy to do.
We did the loop, north with a camera in hand to the dwellings, then back on the east loop, stopped at the mine overlook. A great, easy, relaxing enjoyable day.
Visit the Cliff dwelling, easy walk and imagine their lifestyle. Not many stairs, easy to do.
We did the loop, north with a camera in hand to the dwellings, then back on the east loop, stopped at the mine overlook. A great, easy, relaxing enjoyable day.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deserted Dave
New Mexico388 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
The Gila...my Gila...trail of the mountain spirits...the "pinos altos", canyons, and river. I love the Gila, and have been camping here many times throughout the last twenty months. Cherry Creek, during the monsoons; Iron Creek and Kingston in the Black Range; that wonderful bit of road, US180, and Bighorn campgrounds. The Leopold Vista picnic area, and Continental Divide trailheads. Spaghetti Night at the Buckhorn Saloon.
I love the Gila.
I love the Gila.
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warden
Cataula, GA27 contributions
Jan 2020
We came specifically to climb to the Cliff Dwellings National Monument. It is an effort to reach this monument but that is what makes it special. We came in January so there were only a few other people visiting. A little snow and mud on the trail and it was cold. But we loved it. A great experience that very few people experience. Remote and peaceful. FYI - dogs are not allowed on the trail to the Cliff Dwellings. The hike is a one mile loop. A good climb. I was a little more winded than I would have liked but realized it was due to the altitude. Pack a lunch as there are no restaurants anywhere near this beautiful landmark.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi!
Are there any trails with waterfalls in the Gila National Forest?
Thank you!
Denise
Written 27 May 2021
Can you suggest a good place to stay when we visit next Sept/Oct. We were thinking Silver City, Truth or Consequences, or Hatch.
Written 1 November 2020
I’m guessing you are going to visit in 2021. We are going to stay at the Murray Hotel in Silver City next week for one night. Then we are driving over to TorC for four nights. Truth or Consequences is known for it’s hot springs (town’s original name was Hot Springs). There are some kitschy places to stay that are really cool. Ted Turner’s “ Sierra Grande” is there; “The Blackstone” has themed rooms—we stayed in “As The World Turns”; but our favorite place is “Riverbend Hot Springs”—google their site.
Written 11 May 2021
Is this something I can take an almost three year old to?
Written 5 July 2019
Yes She will like the view and small park area for picnic
Written 7 September 2019
I would like to know what the Catwalk is a nd is it located in the same area as the Gila Cliff Dwellings? Thanks!
Joann
Written 26 January 2019
The Catwalk is a modern, elevated , all-access "trail" along Whitewater Canyon. The area was a an old mining town in the early 1800's and 1990's. Parts of the old mill can still be seen. The trail is attached to the canyon walls and you walk several feet about the creek bed. Very cool! It's about a mile and a quarter in length and connects to other trails within the Wilderness area. It's about 65 northwest of Silver City off Hwy 180 and it's about 115 mile drive between it and the Cliff Dwellings. You have to drop down to Silver City to get from one the the other.
Written 26 January 2019
We are thinking of taking a road trip in mid-September 2018 and this is one place we’re thinking to stop at. We will have two dogs and I understand we can’t take them up to the cliff dwellings but can anyone explain in detail what we can do with them? I’ve seen something about free kennels while you hike?
Also, to get to the cliff dwellings, do you have to climb a ladder up and back down to access them, or is there a path you can walk to actually reach them?
Thanks for any information!
Written 22 June 2018
The dog kennels (more like large metal crates in size) are outdoors and I think most dogs that are crated regularly would be fine. The cages are next to each other - but we saw no dogs there during our visit. My large dogs are older and haven’t been crated since they were puppies, so I would not leave my dogs there. I believe there was adequate shade, staff nearby to check in on them and you might only be away for 1-2 hours. It’s a very basic set up but seems safe.
Written 23 June 2018
You can take the puppy with you but he will not be allowed on the historic trail or near the dwellings. Someone will need to stay with the puppy in the parking lot.
Written 2 June 2017
You are not allowed to take any animals to visit the dwellings. The ranger station provides cages where pets can be housed for the duration of your visit. I knew that I could do the round trip from the ranger station to the dwellings & back in an hour, so I got permission to park my vehicle in a shaded area & left my dog in the truck with windows open & a large water container for him to drink from.
Written 3 June 2017
Showing results 1-8 of 8
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing