Gila Wilderness: Gila Cliff Dwellings

At the recommendation from a co-worker at REI we decided to check out the Gila Wilderness while on our trip to New Mexico. The Gila was first suggested because of what is supposed to be an amazing overnight hike that takes you to the Jordan Hot Springs along the Middle Fork of the Gila River that is right in the middle of it. We researched more about the hike and couldn't wait to do it. Then Emma hurt her back. We still decided to check out the area around the trail which included not only the Gila Cliff Dwellings, but also tons of free camping! It also boasted an awesome hour and a half long ride down a winding forest road to get there(a huge highlight for me, a downside to my motion sickness prone partner). Not doing the hike ended up being a good idea either way. With night temperatures close to single digits and a guarantee of getting wet from the many river crossings, it seemed best to stay at the campground. We instead took a day to tour the cliff dwellings and then explore the drier side of the West and Middle Fork rivers.

The best way to sum up our trip to the Gila is that I can't wait to go back.

Enjoy
Tyler Gates
Good Life Photography