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Full-Moon Hikes Through Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

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By NPT Staff - August 24th, 2018
Full moon over Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument/David Velk

Full moon over Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument/David Velk

Visitors will have a rare chance to experience Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico after hours, by the light of the next three full moons.

The first opportunity comes Saturday, followed by the nights of September 22 and October 27.

The moonlight hikes are a moderately strenuous climb on an unpaved trail, featuring rough stone stairs and a height gain equivalent to an 18-story building. Sturdy shoes or boots with gripping soles are recommended. Come prepared for all weather, rain or shine. Please bring water, and a flashlight, preferably with red lens.

The hikes will last about 1.5 hours. Participants will enter the cliff caves and explore the dwellings built by the people of the Mogollon Culture over 700 years ago.

Gila Cliff Dwellings is located in the mountains of southwestern New Mexico, in the heart of the 560,000-acre Gila Wilderness. You should allow two hours driving time north from Silver City, or Mimbres, on the spectacular Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway. The monument is located at the very end of N. Highway 15.

Entrance fees are 10.00 per person for adults 16 and older. Call for reservations, as space is limited. (575) 536-9461

Touring cliff dwellings by moonlight/David Velk

Touring cliff dwellings by moonlight/David Velk

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