RV Rentals for Gila Cliff Dwellings
Vacationers hoping for a wilderness setting as well a glimpse of Southwest American history will find Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument an ideal experience.
RV Vacations to Gila Cliff Dwellings
Vacationers hoping for a wilderness setting as well a glimpse of Southwest American history will find Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument an ideal experience. Located in the Gila Wilderness, these seven-hundred-year-old Native American dwellings are a wonder in themselves. Add to that great hiking trails, nearby hot springs and plenty of wildlife to watch and you’ve got the perfect RV camping vacation.
Frugal RV Camping
Several large RV campgrounds near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument make camping in a motorhome a smart choice. Don’t think you can afford the luxury of an RV rental? Think again! Camping in an RV is actually less expensive than paying for rental cars, gas, hotel rooms and eating out. Drive your “home away from home” to your destination and cook nutritious meals in a well-designed kitchen. That’s the frugal way to see America!
If that vacation includes one of America’s National Parks, purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass saves you even more money.
Information for First Time Visitors
Near the Arizona border in southwestern New Mexico, you’ll find Gila National Forest as well as Gila Cave Dwellings National Monument. Set aside as a national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1907, the cave dwellings (more than forty of them) represent a major cultural treasure. Both the Mogollan tribe of 1300 BC and the current-day Chiricahua Apache tribe that regards the Gila Wilderness as their tribal homeland have put their mark on the area.
Using Ranger-led tours and presentations, your entire RV camping crew can learn about this rich history and become familiar with the Monument and Wilderness before venturing out on your own. Then it’s outdoor adventure galore as you travel hiking trails that criss-cross the Gila River or lead out into the Gila Wilderness area.
Speaking of Park Rangers, why not let the kids sign up for the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program? They’ll learn plenty about geology, ecology and history and earn badges and certificates for their accomplishments. Be sure to check at the Gila Visitors Center or online at their website.
Here’s another way to spend time in the great outdoors: take advantage of area horseback riding concessions and enjoy a trail ride through the canyons surrounding the monument. The scenery’s spectacular, and be sure to watch for elk, mountain lions and big horn sheep along the way!
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the surrounding Wilderness offer a new adventure every time you come, so see us at El Monte RV to book your motorhome rental, and then get busy planning your Gila vacation.
Things to Do, Places to See
- Gila Visitors Center: Stop here first for trail maps and an introduction to the Mogollan Indians who built the cliff dwellings. Because it sits where the Middle and West Forks of the Gila River, several trailheads are located nearby, as well.
- West Fork Loop (Starting at TJ Corral): This eleven-mile hike will satisfy experienced hikers with the sheer number of scenic overlooks and steep, unpaved sections.
- Lightfeather Hot Springs: Take a quick hike that crosses the Gila River twice and you’ll reach Lightfeather Hot Springs. The canyon setting and soothing hot springs make this a favorite destination for active vacationers.
- Jordan Hot Springs: Experienced hikers will find Jordan Hot Springs worth the eight-mile trip. This secluded mountain area will provide a soothing soak and gorgeous vacation photos, so don’t miss the chance will you’re at the Monument.
- Sawmill Wagon Road Trail: For spectacular biking, hiking and horseback riding, stop at Sawmill Wagon Road Trail on the way from Silver City to the Monument. Only ten miles long, this former military supply trail runs through the mountains and across the high desert and features amazing scenery and elk-watching!
- Signal Peak Trail: Nearby Signal Peak Trail is a favorite of mountain bikers. Filled with wild and crazy ascents and descents, it’s not for the faint of heart. If biking at nine thousand feet sounds like a thrill, pack your bike and head for this trail!
- Gila Cliff Dwellings Scenic Byway: For a truly magnificent tour of the entire Gila Wilderness area, save an afternoon for the one hundred ten mile Cliff Dwellings Inner Loop Scenic Byway. Not only will you have a great view of the cliff dwellings themselves, you’ll cross the Continental Divide not once but twice and explore the rugged beauty of the Pinos Altos Mountains.
Where to Find More Information
As always, the National Parks Service is the best place to find detailed information about a National Parks site. Be sure to check their trail guide if you plan to hike or bike.
The Gila National Forest site has a listing of local RV campgrounds to help you start planning.
Call us at (888) 337-2214 to get started, and plan to visit us soon. You’re going to love seeing New Mexico, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument by RV!