Gila Cliff Dwellings

This is the first time we have spent any length of time in the Gila National Forest, and we’re loving it.

On our first full day in the Silver City, New Mexico area, we drove north of Pinos Altos and entered the Gila. Man, there were a lot of deer early in the morning. Fortunately, they stayed just off the road. 

Once we made it to the Cliff Dwellings, we were pleased to see that we basically had the place to ourselves. 

Just north of the Cliff Dwellings is a short 1/2 mile hike to wild hot springs.  Again, there was nobody around although we did see some people arriving at the parking lot on our way back. Life is good.

The water behind Julia was scalding hot. The water on the lower edge of the photo was tepid bath water. But the water in the middle was just right. There are several places along the road where a person could pay $5-10 for a hot soak, but there is something about working through a couple of stream crossings to be able to enjoy the experience for free. Besides, I’m cheap.