The Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument is located north of Silver City, NM. The cave is 180 feet above the valley floor with a very steep switchback trail leading up to them. Mom actually made the trek and we really enjoyed seeing the ruins. They are over 700 years old. Some of the original wood used in contructing the rooms is still in place. Constructed around 1270, they were only in use for about one generation.
The cave provided natural shelter, and the rock walls gave privacy and separation. There is still some corn cobs that date back to the original Indians! None of the roofs are intact now, but some of the wood supports are.
