Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Announces Summer Ranger Programs

Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 02 May 2019 02 May 2019

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument announced today the summer schedule of ranger-guided interpretive programs. The staff will be offering daily guided tours as well as the popular full moon tours of the dwellings.

Programs begin May 24, 2019 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend) and will run through Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day (September 2), availability of programs will depend on staffing levels.

Visitors can meet a ranger daily for a 45-minute guided tour of the dwellings at 1:00 p.m. Visitors are reminded that the program begins at the cliff dwellings, not at the trailhead. It takes around 30 minutes to hike the half-mile from the trailhead to the dwellings; please allow time to get to the starting point of the tour.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen or other sun protection and bring plenty of water. The trail is moderately strenuous. Visitors hike one-half mile and go up 185 feet in elevation to reach the dwellings, and then hike another half-mile downhill to return to the parking area.

Full moon hikes will also return in 2019. The program begins at night, taking visitors on a tour of the cliff dwellings under moonlight. This program is different from the standard daytime guided tour, and lasts for 90 minutes. Visitors are required to wear sturdy shoes or boots, and should bring red-lens flashlights or headlamps.

Standard park entrance fees apply to attend this program. Call the Gila Visitor Center (575)536-9461 for reservations. Lists fill quickly; only a limited number of people can participate due to safety concerns.

Full moon hike dates are Saturdays: June 15, July 13, August 17, September 14, and October 12. Program start times vary by month. Please call the Gila Visitor Center for each month’s start times.

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