Part Two of The Gila Wilderness trip by my awesome friend Jenny Jones
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On our 1st full day at the Gila Wilderness in south western New Mexico, we headed for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, about an hour or so from the hotel.
The Trail of the Mountain Spirits byway took us north, through the Gila Wilderness area. Along the way we stopped at the Gila Hot Springs for a nice soak and a picnic lunch. We were completely charmed. We drove in and not a soul was to be seen -- this being a good thing. A sign proclaims that you are at the Gila Hot Springs and Campground, and there is a box and envelope in which to deposit the exorbitant (snark!) fee of $3 per car. For those $3 you have the run of 3 hot springs, each a different temperature and a lovely, shaded picnic area. The entire “compound” is decorated with junk art mobiles, crafted from old metal “stuff” -- discards. Shade structures were liberally positioned throughout. The 3rd Hot Spring has a privacy fence, so you can “let it all hang out”. The Gila River runs right behind the hot springs and it was a beautiful day for kicking back and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature this delightful spot afforded. Our picnic lunch could not have tasted better in the most upscale restaurant in the country!
Time to move on to the cliff dwellings.
It was a half hour or so from the Hot Springs to the cliff dwellings. Here, a moderate, one mile scenic trail takes you to the dwellings, inhabited by Native Americans from circa 1270 to 1300 AD. Dogs were not allowed on the trail but they had several nice, clean kennels, located under shady pine trees, with volunteer attendants for our Bonnie. She had a very nice nap.
The trail ascends to about 180 feet above the canyon floor to the cliff dwellings -- the view is just astounding. The steep, pine studded canyon stretches as far as the eye can see.
Several volunteer docents were located throughout the dwellings to answer questions and imbue visitors with their vast knowledge of the ancient people that inhabited the area. A small museum showcasing the plant and animal life of the area completed our tour -- we then made our way back to our hotel.
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Jenny lives in Phoenix Arizona with her husband, 2 dogs and 2 cats.
She works full time as a customer service agent for a property and
casualty insurer. In her spare time, she likes to help her hubby out
with his resale/consignment store, volunteer, and has recently become involved and passionate about "protesting," AKA advocating for social and economic justice.
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On our 1st full day at the Gila Wilderness in south western New Mexico, we headed for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, about an hour or so from the hotel.
Time to move on to the cliff dwellings.
It was a half hour or so from the Hot Springs to the cliff dwellings. Here, a moderate, one mile scenic trail takes you to the dwellings, inhabited by Native Americans from circa 1270 to 1300 AD. Dogs were not allowed on the trail but they had several nice, clean kennels, located under shady pine trees, with volunteer attendants for our Bonnie. She had a very nice nap.
Several volunteer docents were located throughout the dwellings to answer questions and imbue visitors with their vast knowledge of the ancient people that inhabited the area. A small museum showcasing the plant and animal life of the area completed our tour -- we then made our way back to our hotel.
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