Gila Cliff Dwellings

We did some driving to get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings but this was one that had been on my bucket list for some time and we figured this might be the closest we would get to it so.....we drove the 120 miles to get there.  It was so worth it as you can see!

bridge crossing the Gila River to walk into the canyon

Gila River

7 caves in the cliff wall comprise the dwellings

These caves were occupied by the Mogollon culture from about 1270-1300

the worn depressions indicate a work surface outside cave #1 which only houses a couple of foundations now  

Cave #2 was off limits to us but looks like it was very impressive

Were able to enter via the stairs in Cave #3

view from top of stairs

what a wonderful view they had!

80% of the dwellings are original with only necessary reconstruction done to help preserve/mobilize

looking across from Cave 4 to Cave 5

only identifiable pictograph out of three on the walls of the dwelling

Caves 6 and 7 had no structures in them but Cave 6 had soot from fires on the ceiling

collared lizard showing off on the ledge above my head as we were passing by

heading back down to the Gila River bridge