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My brother, Dave, and I arrived at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Park after a breath-taking drive up scenic NM Hwy. 15. The 44 mile trip heading north out of Silver City took almost 2 hours as we wove back and forth on the hairpin-laced road. We arrived before the Visitor Center opened at 8:00 AM, so we hiked along the West Fork of the Gila River. The dawn light on the cliffs reflected beautifully in the river below. |
| Once the Visitor Center opened we were invited inside to watch a video
about the dwellings. Ranger Doug Bailey gave us an overview of the
hike to the cliff dwellings. It is a one-mile loop that would take us 180
feet above the canyon floor.
Not too far into our walk we were delighted with a sneak preview of the cliff dwellings just above the tops of the trees. |
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As we reached the top of the trail we could see the first cave entrance.
Being the first ones up to the Gila's this morning we had the place to
ourselves.
A park volunteer was stationed at the top available to answer questions and point out interesting features of the cliff dwellings. These dwellings were believed to be inhabited in the late 1270's to the early 1300's. |
| The T-shaped doorway allowed the Mogollon people to enter the shelters
with packs on their backs.
The second floor balcony was supported by the original beams that are seen here protruding from the wall. |
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The view looking outside from inside the cave is spectacular and one
can not help wonder if the Mogollon too marveled at the beautiful site.
The ceiling of the cave is blackened with soot from their fires. |
| The dwellings were built in seven natural caves that are high in the southeast-facing cliff. A total of about 40 rooms were constructed in five of the caves. |
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Dave climbs up on an observation ladder in the largest cave. Many of the rooms and shelters were two story structures with many smaller interior rooms. |
| One way out of the Gila Cliff Dwellings is down this ladder or for those that can not transverse the steps they can walk back to the main cave and follow the outer path. |
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The Mogollon were farmers and they kept their fields on the mesa tops and along the river. They grew crops of squash, corn and beans, they also supplemented their diet with hunting and gathering wild foods from the forest. |
| Not much is know about these people nor why they lived here for only
one generation.
But we can today still walk their same paths and marvel at the beauty of this canyon. In that, we are just like them. |
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| For more information about the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
contact: Mimbres Ranger Station, P.O. Box 79, Mimbres, NM 88049 (505)
536-9461
TDD (505) 536-9344 |
All images are Copyright 1998 by Mary Saxton |