Summary
There are plenty of good reasons to visit this area, including its rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty.
Some points of interest to see at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument include the cliff dwellings themselves, which were constructed by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dwellings to learn more about their history and how they were built. There are also hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and opportunities to see wildlife such as black bears and elk.
Interesting facts about Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument include that it was established as a national monument in 1907 and is part of the National Park Service. The cliff dwellings themselves were only discovered in the late 1800s and have since become a popular tourist attraction. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are unique to the region.
The best time of year to visit Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. It can get very hot in the summer months, and the winter can be cold and snowy, which can make hiking and exploring the area more challenging. It's also important to note that the road leading to the monument is steep and winding, so visitors should be prepared for a bit of a drive.
Overall, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Mogollon people who once called this area home.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Upper Scorpion Campground
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Lower Scorpion Campround
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Scorpion - Gila Cliff Dwelllings
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Forks
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Forks Campground
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Grapevine
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