Tucked away in a scenic side canyon in Southwestern New Mexico are some beautiful cliff dwellings from naturally formed caves on the Gila River. To say they are located off the beaten path is an understatement; there’s no quick way to get to them or any convenient lodging nearby. But these almost hidden ruins provide a well-preserved peek into what was life for like for nomadic tribes from around the 1200s. Here’s more about the Gila Cliff Dwellings located in Magdalena:

The Gila National Forest lies within the rugged and expensive Gila Wilderness.
dedhed1950/Flickr
The Gila National Forest is administered by the United States Forest Service. It is a popular spot for hiking. There are also several hot springs in the area.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings are nestled within the area.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
The Gila Cliff Dwellings, Gila Visitor Center and Gila Cliff Dwellings Trailhead Museum are open daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day .
For thousands of years, nomadic groups used the naturally-formed caves along the Gila River for shelter.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
A small family group decided to stick around and make the area home for about a generation.
The canyons provided protection, water from the river flowing throughout, and wilderness for hunting and growing crops.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
Strangely, the nomadic people, classified as modern-day Mogollons, abandoned the seemingly idyllic setting.

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The Mogollon people who once lived here mostly occupied five cave sites.
Doc Johnny Bravo/Flickr
Within these caves, scientists have identified 46 rooms that are incredibly well preserved.
Visitors will find ample time here for reflection and tranquility.
irmiller/Flickr
Because of their location, they receive only modest tourist exploration, meaning visitors won't have to fight crowds or hurry through the area.
Remnants of the past remain, such as this pictograph found here.
VANKUSO/Flickr
You will need to hike about one miles up a side stream and at a slight elevation to reach the ruins.
Visitors might enjoy a guided tour to learn much more about the history of these ruins.
Jerry Briix/Flickr
The walk is not handicap accessible as it crosses some small bridges and requires some exertion for climbing areas.
The dwellings are particularly beautiful in the spring and fall.
KrisNM/Flickr
July and August are considered the rainy season here and are the hottest months. Winter months often have nice afternoons but cold mornings and evenings.

Don’t plan to visit if you are in a hurry, however. It will take about two hours to drive from Silver City, New Mexico, taking State Hwy. 15 North to the park’s entrance. The drive is a mountain pass, and there is no shortcut or fast way there. Speed limits range from 20 to 40 miles per hour through most parts. There are some scenic overlooks to enjoy while making the drive. Because of its remoteness, limited hours of operation (no hikes can be started after 4 p.m.), and little lodging, the ruins are considered a hidden secret from much of the public, and those who do make the trek like it that way!

Check out this bucket list for more adventures of magnificent ruins in New Mexico.

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