Least Visited NPS Units: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

The ancient settlements protected by Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument have a beautiful setting in a wooded, vertical-walled volcanic canyon, deep in the Gila Mountains of west central New Mexico, somewhat similar to those in the better known Bandelier National Monument to the north. The ruins are quite large, occupying a series of interlinked alcoves, overlooking the verdant canyon floor. Nearby are various hot springs, explored by a few longer trails. The monument is very remote, reached only by a winding, 45 mile, dead end road which starts at Silver City along US 180 - a scenic journey through wooded terrain, taking about 90 minutes.

2014 Visitation: 31,135
Gila Cliff Dwellings - full description