Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument ⓘ

The people who built the dwellings are known as the Tularosa Mogollon. However, it's important to note that this name was given to them by archaeologists. The name comes from the Mogollon mountain range in the Gila Wilderness, which was named after Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollón, the Governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo México from 1712 to 1715.

It is unlikely that we will ever know what the people who occupied the dwellings called themselves, as they had an oral history rather than a written language.

Archaeologists believe that these people came from approximately 40 miles away, near the present-day town of Reserve, New Mexico.

Unfortunately, we don't know the exact reason why they came here. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that they occupied the dwellings to seek relief from a drought, specifically the Great Drought of 1270-1300, which roughly aligns with the entire occupation of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Evidence left behind, such as wooden vigas and lintels, reveals that the entire area was affected by a severe drought during the occupation of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Dendrochronology, the scientific method of dating tree rings, can also determine the climatic conditions of a given area. Every year, a tree produces an annual growth ring; wide rings indicate wet years, while thin rings indicate dry years. The samples gathered from the dwellings have thin tree rings, suggesting that this area was indeed suffering from minimal rainfall and drought-like conditions.

Archaeologists believe that the dwellings were occupied for roughly 30 years, from the 1270s through the early 1300s. Dendrochronology was used to determine the years of occupation. Tree rings indicate the year the tree was cut, not necessarily the year construction began. Although scientists discovered the earliest cut date of 1276 CE, that does not necessarily mean that was the year construction started.

It's worth noting that the Tularosa Mogollon were not the first people to occupy these caves. Soot deposits on the roofs of the caves represent thousands of years of human occupation. Archaic hunter-gatherers utilized these caves as part of their seasonal migrations, as indicated by the atlatl fragments—the hunting weapon of choice for the Archaic people—found in the dwellings during archaeological excavations.

Archaeologists believe there are many reasons why these caves were chosen to provide a home for the Tularosa Mogollon people. Firstly, the caves offer natural protection from the elements. The south-facing caves also provide excellent temperature regulation during both winter and summer months.

Additionally, the canyon below the caves has a stream that runs year-round, and the canyon is home to numerous plants that could be used for various purposes. For example, yucca could be ground up into a shampoo, and yucca sandals were found in the monument. There are also numerous plants that produce edible fruits and/or nuts, such as Piñon Pine, grapes, oak trees, Prickly Pear Cactus, and more.

In addition to plants, animals seemed to have been plentiful during the time of occupation. Animals like Mule Deer, Elk, Bison, and more were hunted to supplement their diet.

Contrary to popular belief, these people did not simply disappear. While we do not know exactly where they went, we do know that they spread out into other pueblos across southwest New Mexico and Mexico. There are many theories about why they left, including the end of the Great Drought of 1270-1300. They may have also left due to an overuse of resources.

Many things were found in the dwellings, and it's impossible to list them all on this one page. However, some of the items found include remains of animals such as Mule Deer, Rabbit, Coyote, Bison, and even a Mountain Lion. Numerous bird feathers were also found in the dwellings, including those of the Greater Roadrunner, Scarlet Macaw, Turkey, Great Horned Owl, Northern Flicker, and Acorn Woodpecker.

In addition, pottery shards that survived years of looting and vandalism were found in the dwellings. Corn cobs were also found throughout the dwellings and can still be seen today! Due to the protection provided by the caves, these corn cobs have survived for hundreds of years.

The Mogollon used numerous materials for construction, including slabs of Gila Conglomerate, wood, and a sandy clay as mortar.

They used various types of wood, including Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Juniper, and Cottonwood.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located in the Gila Wilderness within the Gila National Forest. Within a few miles of the cliff dwellings, elevations range from around 5,700 to 7,300 feet above sea level. In the immediate vicinity of the cliff dwellings, elevations range from 5,700 to about 6,000 feet. The terrain is rugged, with steep-sided canyons cut by shallow rivers and forested with ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, Douglas fir, New Mexico juniper, pinyon pine, and alligator juniper (among other plants ). The climate is dry, with July and August as the rainy months. During the rainy months there is a possibility of short but intense rain each day. Monthly rainfall can vary from almost three inches in August to one-third of an inch in May, the driest month. Precipitation in winter ranges from about half an inch per month to an inch and a half.

During the summer, daytime highs average in the 90s F, while nighttime lows can reach into the 50s F. During the winter, daytime highs can be in the 50s F, while nighttime lows can reach into the teens.

The most common large mammals encountered are mule deer and elk. Black bear and mountain lion are in the area, but are seldom seen. Coyotes can sometimes be heard at night. Because the Gila National Forest plays a role in the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf, wolves may be in the area, but it is rare to encounter them. The most common birds in the vicinity of the monument are turkey vultures, ravens, hawks, hummingbirds, and various songbirds. Check out our species observations on iNauralist here: NPS - Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument · iNaturalist

To protect the treasures in their care, park managers need accurate information about what kinds of resources are in the park, how and why they are changing over time, and what amount of change is normal. Like a physician monitoring a patient's heartbeat and blood pressure, ecologists with the Sonoran Desert Network collect long-term data on key resources that can indicate overall ecosystem health. When park managers have early warning of potential problems, they have a better chance of dealing with them before they become harder and more expensive to fix. At Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the network monitors air quality , climate , springs , streams , terrestrial wildlife , and vegetation and soils .

Studying park vital signs is only part of the picture. Other field work is conducted by park staff, graduate students, or independent researchers. Because many parks prohibit activities that occur elsewhere, scientists can use the parks as "control" areas for determining the effects of these activities where they do occur. Especially in the American West, national park lands often serve as the best model for what an undisturbed landscape looks like.

Source: NPS DataStore Saved Search 3680 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the NPS DataStore .

The Gila Wilderness, located in southwestern New Mexico, is the first designated wilderness area in the world. Spanning over 558,000 acres, this vast landscape offers a unique blend of rugged terrain, rich history, and diverse ecosystems. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to escape into nature, the Gila Wilderness provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

The Gila Wilderness is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its extensive trail system, the wilderness offers countless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Popular trails include the Middle Fork and West Fork trails, which meander alongside the Gila River, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

For those interested in fishing, the Gila River and its tributaries are home to various fish species, including the native Gila trout. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing in the pristine waters, surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness.

Camping is another popular activity, with numerous backcountry campsites available for those who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. Whether you prefer a secluded spot near a river or a campsite with panoramic views, the Gila Wilderness offers something for every camper.

Birdwatchers will find the Gila Wilderness particularly rewarding, with over 300 bird species recorded in the area. From the majestic Bald Eagle to the colorful Painted Redstart, the diversity of birdlife here is truly remarkable.

The history of the Gila Wilderness is as rich and diverse as its landscape. The area was once home to the Mogollon culture, a prehistoric Native American civilization known for their cliff dwellings, some of which can still be seen today at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. These ancient structures provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once thrived in this rugged environment.

In the early 20th century, the Gila Wilderness became the focus of conservation efforts, thanks to the pioneering work of Aldo Leopold. Leopold, a forest supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service, recognized the need to protect the area from overdevelopment and advocated for its preservation. In 1924, his efforts culminated in the designation of the Gila Wilderness as the first wilderness area in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the history of conservation.

Wildfire is a natural part of the Gila Wilderness ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and diversity of the landscape. The area's fire history is both complex and fascinating, with some fires serving to rejuvenate the forest, while others have had more devastating impacts.

Mammal species in the monument might not always be the easiest to find, but the park is home to a broad diversity of them. The most frequently seen are mule deer, javelina, and squirrels, but with patience, knowledge of their habits, and a keen eye, other species can be found too. Gray foxes, beavers, raccoons, bats, small rodents, coyotes, desert cottontails, bobcats, and even black bears and mountain lions have all been spotted here! Below you can find information about some of our more unusual and frequently sighted neighbors.

Also known as: ringtail cat, miner’s cat Size: Total length from nose to tip of tail, about 30 inches; tail alone about 15 inches. Habitat: Cliffs, rocky canyons and other broken terrain; also found along brushy arroyos in the lower desert. Several of the alternate or common names ending in ‘cat’ reflect this animal’s catlike slender body and feet, as well as its finesse at climbing and its pouncing hunting style. Their considerable tail provides balance for negotiating narrow ledges and limbs, even allowing them to reverse directions by performing a cartwheel. They can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees, giving them purchase for rapidly descending cliffs or trees as well as cacti. Its face, however, tends to resemble a fox, thus the scientific name which translates to “clever little fox.” Most conspicuous in appearance is its tail, with about 7 black and 7 white rings, ending in a black tip. These creatures are strictly nocturnal and are rarely seen by humans. The ringtail is an omnivore, eating both meat and plant material. They eat rodents, insects, birds and eggs, and fruits of plants like persimmon, hackberry, and prickly pear. Its tracks are like those of a house cat; but a house cat print will have four toe impressions, and a ringtail will leave five toe impressions. The ringtail has short, non-retractable claws, but claw marks usually do not appear with its tracks.

The Gila Wilderness is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, offering a glimpse into the natural world that thrives in this remote and rugged landscape. Visitors to the Gila may encounter a variety of animals, from the majestic elk and mule deer that roam the forests and meadows to the more elusive creatures like mountain lions and black bears that inhabit the deeper wilderness areas. The Gila River and its tributaries provide vital water sources, attracting beavers, river otters, and a wide array of bird species, including the vibrant Western Tanager and the striking Bald Eagle.

Reptiles and amphibians also find a home in the Gila, with lizards basking on sun-warmed rocks and frogs calling from the riverbanks. The Gila is also home to the rare Gila Monster, one of the only venomous lizards in the world. With its diverse habitats, from arid deserts to lush river valleys, the Gila supports a rich variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers alike.

Close-up image of a Painted Redstart, a small bird with striking black and white plumage, accented by bright red on its chest and belly.