You don’t need to look far to find history in New Mexico. It exists all around us, both out in the open and hidden away. Today, we’re going to check out one national monument that is home to some spectacular history. Take a look at the Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico:
This is Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, a remote site tucked away in the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico. It’s a fairly small area, composed of just 533 acres and the nearest city is Silver City, which is located 45 miles south of the national monument.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
Between 1275 and 1300 AD, the dwellings were home to the Mogollon people. It was a community likely made up of about a dozen families living in five cliff alcoves and 46 rooms. Eventually, however, the dwellings were abandoned by the early 14th century. Anthropologists have not determined why but Hopi oral tradition points to migration and environmental changes.
Lisa Haneberg/Flickr
Visiting the dwellings themselves requires an easy hike. The trail is approximately one mile long and will require you to cross some bridges to access it. This is a wonderful trek above the trees, so take your time to enjoy the views!
Jessica Wilson/Flickr
Once you arrive, you’ll be astounded by the views here. The ancient dwellings still stand in fairly good condition, despite looting that took place before the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Doc Johnny Bravo/Flickr Looting following American settlement of New Mexico included not just removal of pottery sherds and tools but also several mummified bodies found near the dwellings.
Once you arrive, you’ll have a chance to explore parts of the dwellings under the watchful eye of a park ranger. Walk through the rooms, ask the ranger questions, and imagine what life must have been like nearly 800 years ago.
sparkleplen_t/Flickr
Have you ever had a chance to visit the dwellings? What was your experience like?
Jerry Briix/Flickr
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located approximately 1.5 hours north of Silver City via State Highway 15. You can find details about the monument, events, and more by visiting the National Park Service website.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
Lisa Haneberg/Flickr
Jessica Wilson/Flickr
Doc Johnny Bravo/Flickr
Looting following American settlement of New Mexico included not just removal of pottery sherds and tools but also several mummified bodies found near the dwellings.
sparkleplen_t/Flickr
Ready to explore more incredible places that feature New Mexico’s history? Read more in These 7 New Mexico Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History.
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Address: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, 26 Jim Bradford Trail, Mimbres, NM 88049, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Gila Cliff Dwellings In New Mexico July 30, 2020 Leah What are the oldest attractions in New Mexico? There are many historic sites in New Mexico worth visiting. With such a rich culture and history still visible in many aspects of the state, this should come as no surprise. If you want to visit some of the oldest places, try checking out spots like the San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe. This is not only the oldest church in the state but the oldest church in the entire country. It was established in 1610 and is still standing today. For a truly ancient attraction, visit the Ancestral Puebloan Dwellings. They are thought to have been built around 750 AD and you can still visit the ruins of them today. What is the oldest town in New Mexico? With such old New Mexico cliff dwellings that have not been lived in for decades, you may be wondering what the oldest place in the state is that is still lived in today. There are a couple of answers to this question depending on what you consider a town or lived-in place. When it comes to the oldest city, Santa Fe takes that title. It was founded around 1607 and it’s the oldest capital city in the United States. It is not, however, the oldest continuously lived in place in the state. That honor goes to the Taos Pueblo. The buildings of the pueblo have been lived in for over 1,000 years, believe it or not. They are still lived in and lovingly cared for to this day. What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico? After you’ve visited this ancient village in New Mexico, you might be interested in checking out some of the other awesome attractions and sites in the state. The old historic parts of Albuquerque are fascinating to visit for their stories as well as the beautiful architecture. For a natural wonder, check out the impressive strikingly bright desert of the White Sands or head underground to the Carlsbad Caverns. The Land of Enchantment is also home to the country’s longest aerial tramway that will take you all the way to the top of the Sandia Peak. The view of Albuquerque from there is spectacular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Gila Cliff Dwellings In New Mexico
July 30, 2020
Leah
What are the oldest attractions in New Mexico? There are many historic sites in New Mexico worth visiting. With such a rich culture and history still visible in many aspects of the state, this should come as no surprise. If you want to visit some of the oldest places, try checking out spots like the San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe. This is not only the oldest church in the state but the oldest church in the entire country. It was established in 1610 and is still standing today. For a truly ancient attraction, visit the Ancestral Puebloan Dwellings. They are thought to have been built around 750 AD and you can still visit the ruins of them today. What is the oldest town in New Mexico? With such old New Mexico cliff dwellings that have not been lived in for decades, you may be wondering what the oldest place in the state is that is still lived in today. There are a couple of answers to this question depending on what you consider a town or lived-in place. When it comes to the oldest city, Santa Fe takes that title. It was founded around 1607 and it’s the oldest capital city in the United States. It is not, however, the oldest continuously lived in place in the state. That honor goes to the Taos Pueblo. The buildings of the pueblo have been lived in for over 1,000 years, believe it or not. They are still lived in and lovingly cared for to this day. What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico? After you’ve visited this ancient village in New Mexico, you might be interested in checking out some of the other awesome attractions and sites in the state. The old historic parts of Albuquerque are fascinating to visit for their stories as well as the beautiful architecture. For a natural wonder, check out the impressive strikingly bright desert of the White Sands or head underground to the Carlsbad Caverns. The Land of Enchantment is also home to the country’s longest aerial tramway that will take you all the way to the top of the Sandia Peak. The view of Albuquerque from there is spectacular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many historic sites in New Mexico worth visiting. With such a rich culture and history still visible in many aspects of the state, this should come as no surprise. If you want to visit some of the oldest places, try checking out spots like the San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe. This is not only the oldest church in the state but the oldest church in the entire country. It was established in 1610 and is still standing today. For a truly ancient attraction, visit the Ancestral Puebloan Dwellings. They are thought to have been built around 750 AD and you can still visit the ruins of them today.
What is the oldest town in New Mexico?
With such old New Mexico cliff dwellings that have not been lived in for decades, you may be wondering what the oldest place in the state is that is still lived in today. There are a couple of answers to this question depending on what you consider a town or lived-in place. When it comes to the oldest city, Santa Fe takes that title. It was founded around 1607 and it’s the oldest capital city in the United States. It is not, however, the oldest continuously lived in place in the state. That honor goes to the Taos Pueblo. The buildings of the pueblo have been lived in for over 1,000 years, believe it or not. They are still lived in and lovingly cared for to this day.
What are the coolest attractions in New Mexico?
After you’ve visited this ancient village in New Mexico, you might be interested in checking out some of the other awesome attractions and sites in the state. The old historic parts of Albuquerque are fascinating to visit for their stories as well as the beautiful architecture. For a natural wonder, check out the impressive strikingly bright desert of the White Sands or head underground to the Carlsbad Caverns. The Land of Enchantment is also home to the country’s longest aerial tramway that will take you all the way to the top of the Sandia Peak. The view of Albuquerque from there is spectacular.
