cliff dwellings

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When the weather prediction was cold and windy for our trip to Joshua Tree, I started looking online for accommodations around Palm Springs. Why camp in the cold high-desert when you can soak in a hot spring! The prissy places I read about were way too expensive, and Steve promised we could find something in New Mexico that would be more our style. Sure enough, we did!

After leaving the Chiricahuas, which I can’t say enough good things about, we headed north toward Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, where NM Rt 15 ends in the park. We found another sweet little food co-op in Silver City and stocked up. Rt 15 was quite a drive, with more switchbacks than I could count. It was late afternoon when we arrived. Crossing back and forth over time zones leaves you always wondering what time it really is… rebel Arizonians don’t even bother with daylight savings time!

The community of Gila Hot Springs has a population of 60 people, 60 goats, 30 horses, and 12 sheep (I made that up!). We checked out the private campground/springs, which was right on the river and delightfully hippy-esque! However, we were both so dirty and in need of a shower that we ended up in the Gila Wilderness Lodge, located down in a holler on a narrow bumpy dirt road, which rambled through a ranch with a bunch of new baby goats.

The once schoolhouse turned lodge was perfect for us. It had a big kitchen, 6 or 7 bedrooms, and was very laid back (communal). We kept stuff in their frig, had kitchen privileges, composted/recycled, and chatted with lots of nice guests. The 2 hot water pools on the lodge property got their water from springs nearby. Nights were frosty and days reached into the 70s… we hated to leave.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (4 miles from the lodge) was the first of its kind designated as a wilderness area in 1924 by pioneering ecologist Aldo Leopold. The Gila River is the longest undammed stretch of river in the lower 48. The park’s primary feature is a set of 6 caves that were used as cliff dwellings by a number of different bands of Indians starting around 1270. It was wonderfully mysterious to hear about the theories of who lived there and what went on.

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Comments

[loy]

cliff dwellings
since you didnt mention them perhaps I am incorrect in associating Hopis with cliff dwellings. The History channel has a current series HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE we have watched today giving more background on the very area you are in - so how interesting for me your posts. Going to Yellowstone? Happy questing, Loy

[deborah Williams]

Where are the words?
Hard to believe places like this exist on planet Earth. The petroglyph is stunning!!! The cave shot also amazes me. I can only imagine the legs on the people who climbed up there on a daily? basis. Thanks for sharing these with us. BTW, the weather this past weekend was dreamy...however, the next front is already upon us. We need some rain, tho. Come for dinner next weekend! Love, Deb

[Frankie]

tours
So when you return, are you going to give tours? The Gila Lodge sounds wonderful with the hot springs close by to use. Val and I need a change of pace and you two are setting a wonderful example for us.

[Carol]

I was there, too.
Your trip has sounded like great fun and so many wonderful places to see. We went to the Gila cliff dwelling on one of our cross country trips either 1976 or 1983 - can't remember which, but they were most impressive. I'd like to stay in the little inn you found. I love hot springs! Your pictures have been terrific. Take care. Love, Carol

[Barbara Seiler]

Chiracahuas
Robert and I were in the Silver City area a couple of years ago. What a wonderful place. I wish I could have told you to go see the Thornburgs over in AZ--they make traditional Membres pottery (used in the Gila area about 500 yrs ago. Also the most amazing bookstore near Benson, AZ called Singing Wind. Love, Barbara