Gila Cliff Dwellings Tour: Walk Through Amazing 700-Year-Old Ruins in New Mexico

PRONUNCIATION NOTE: I'm a Yankee by birth and upbringing. At the time that I visited the Gila cliff dwellings and made this video I was not aware that Gila was a Spanish word - and thus did not pronounce it properly. Unfortunately, I cannot fix the video now. (See pinned comment for more.)
The Gila Cliff Dwellings at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument in New Mexico provide an incredible opportunity to experience history as you walk through amazing 700-year-old ruins. These ruins are about 80 percent intact even though they were abandoned around 1,300 AD. This site is located about 45 minutes from Silver City, New Mexico and is accessed via New Mexico 15 which is an adventure all its own.
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[@RobertWitham]

PRONUNCIATION NOTE: I'm a Yankee by birth and upbringing. At the time that I visited the Gila cliff dwellings and made this video I was not aware that Gila was a Spanish word - and thus did not pronounce it properly. Unfortunately, I cannot fix the video now. While I did research this in advance because I was curious about the pronunciation, what I encountered in my research was several different pronunciations with no apparent consensus. Should we make it back to this amazing location we will record a new video with correct pronunciation. My lack of Spanish skills led to an unfortunate mispronunciation.

[@jonebner7811]

In 1963 my brother and I drove his car through ranchers gates and through a large stream in order to get to the dewelling. We were the only ones there. We spent hours walking and exploring. I will NEVER forget!

[@navmarroaming2292]

(He La) Cliff Dwellings. Like Gila Monster

[@comontoshi]

Gila is pronounced He-lah . . . 🤭😘

[@LaDonnaShielded-kc7zm]

@@comontoshi it's spanish

[@comontoshi]

@Lady Blessed I know . . .

[@LaDonnaShielded-kc7zm]

@@comontoshi ok my mistake. Laugh at cultures all you want.

[@patriciabarr992]

Beautiful photography. Thankyou Robert.

[@roberth9672]

Just an FYI. "Gila" is a Spanish word so it's pronounced, "He-La". And the word, "Mogollon". Is commonly pronounced "Mo-ge-on". He was the Spanish explorer & Govenor of New Mexico from 1712-1715. Liked the video, good stuff.

[@bargainboondocker3420]

Muggy-own is how the locals pronounce it. I grew up in the area.

[@turtletoes716]

Thank you so much, Robert, for making and posting this video. I imagine children running and laughing from room to room. Your video is the closest I will get to visiting this place, so thank you again for being so thorough.

[@Mimzy-ONtheGO]

Oh Wow, Robert! Amazing photography and thanks for the awesome commentary! This was an amazing treat!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@RobertWitham]

I'm glad you enjoyed this video :) It truly is a unique and wonderful place!

[@NYCHFAN]

Thank you so much for this! I've always wanted to see these but now I am unable to do it. Thank you for bringing us along. I imagine you can feel the spirit of the people who used to live there. ✌❤

[@RobertWitham]

These cliff dwellings were one of the most amazing places I have visited recently. It is amazing that they are still largely intact more than 700 years after being abandoned. There really is something of a "haunting" feeling about the place.

[@sharonsteele8915]

That was an amazing place.. thank you for the video!!

[@mhayes6864]

Been there about 8 years ago but looks like it needs a new visit since I don’t remember half of what you saw! One good thing that happened there was that I found the love of my life, a stray wire-haired terrier mix that nobody wanted! She stayed in a kennel that they supplied for the mile long tour which was really nice, and even if she was allowed, I didn’t have a collar or a leash!

[@64MAGA24]

Never heard of this archeological site. Can’t wait to visit now. Thanks 4 sharing.

[@RobertWitham]

I just happened to see it on a map when I was looking for anything interesting in the area while visiting. Really glad I happened to see it!

[@keithsullivan-lt4nk]

i was there 25 yrs ago. some of the most beautiful views. the walk in and out is a easy hike with great scenery. theres a under ground stream the starts trickeling out of a gravel wash. the vistas from inside across and down the valley

[@RobertWitham]

It was a real treat that I even found this place. I just happened to be staying in Silver City for a couple of weeks and was browsing a map looking for anything interesting in the area. This site far exceeded my expectations, and the drive up was worth the trip all by itself!

[@Lindsaydoodles10]

What a great tour, thank you! And I've been looking through some other videos on your channel too... I really appreciate that your videos are so straightforward and informative. It's a rare travel video that I can actually watch and not get annoyed by!

[@jaywitham5970]

I’d love to see that someday.

[@RobertWitham]

It's definitely worth the detour if you ever happen to be in that part of New Mexico! I had never even heard of it before until I was staying in Silver City for a couple of weeks and browsing maps looking for any interesting sites in the area.

[@LionheartedDan]

Excellent tour thank you! We have a new destination on the bucket list now…

[@vicentamartinez]

Beautiful place

[@betsypower7850]

:) great video 🌿

[@blueshawll]

Very, very, nice. Thank you!!

[@johnspan9760]

Amazing

[@Keramila-wt9vo]

can't wait for the next video!

[@RV_Chef_Life]

Thanks for this as we will be visiting this Summer. I can see how one would pronounce it like Karate “Gi” but I think it’s pronounced like Hee La (Spanish) like the Gila monster.

[@southernskywoman]

Gila is pronounced HEE-la, I think.....

[@Steve-qt9ce]

Robert, the "g" in Gila is an "H" sound as in " he "

[@jomama2757]

Also Mogollon is pronounced Mogeeon.

[@jomama2757]

Just an FYI, Gila is pronounced Heela. Not Gia.

[@standingbear998]

these ruins were built by pre clovis and are far more than 700 yrs old.

[@debbiebates2567]

Pronounced “Hila”. You tube the correct pronunciation.

[@dsplunker]

Pretty sure Gila is pronounced something like Heela.

[@cokemachine5510]

HE-LA

[@godfreydaniel6278]

Say "Heel- a" cliff dwellings...

[@billebobb]

Gila is pronounced: [hee-lah]

[@mray1375]

Pronounce "Hee-La".

[@unitedstatesdale]

My brother and I spent the night inside the dwellings 46 years ago. We could hear the walls creaking from the temperature mass expansion and contraction. Not sure if they issue overnight passes anymore. It took 3 years to get one back then. Thanks for sharing this.. Epic content!!!

[@RobertWitham]

That would be an incredible experience! I never even thought to ask about anything like that when I was there.

[@robertallen6710]

@@RobertWitham I would bet a lot of money, just based on the number of idiots out there nowadays that program is defunct...

[@marciabrainard9837]

Love the peaceful music you chose for this tour, With my lack of balance I am so enthused with your tour, this one is great.....amazing engineers back then with hardly any tools. Plumb walls, square openings, a shame we don't know what happened to them, thank you so much for sharing this, hope to meet you this spring if the weather straightens out,, would have had to go to Mexico to get out of freezing weather, didn't mind the 30° weather 3 yrs ago, but not lately

[@susanbeever5708]

Thank you so much for taking us on this unique and interesting trip.

[@janicecline1]

Tfs but wouldn’t be me climbing so close to the edge or going up the ladder. I’ll live vicariously through you. Beautiful area. Wonder what happened that made them leave.

[@bennyhill5775]

OMG, I love the tranquil music in the background, it's so lovely!

[@darlinda9566]

coolness, i dont think i could physically do that trek anymore so thanks for showing us. they seem open enough that the claustrophobia wouldnt kick in, tho safe travels.

[@barackmycat9448]

Talk about historical. That is amazing.

[@RobertWitham]

Truly one of the coolest places I have visited in a long time!

[@sonnybowen3574]

Absolutely beautiful and magnificent,,,,thank you for taking us along your adventure,😮😊😁

[@chuckt1950]

I loved the voice over, I felt like I was there with you

[@RobertWitham]

Thanks, Chuck!

[@clararomero1089]

Another great video Robert thank you

[@rhondatraywick3724]

Very interesting place, that ladder looked a little sketchy! 😃😳

[@lisaroth7526]

That is absolutely amazing! So incredible that they're still intact after all of these years.

[@RobertWitham]

I have seen some ruins before, but I was amazed at the condition these cave dwellings are in more than 700 years after they were built!

[@living2ndchildhood347]

I wonder what the natural climate or Earth event conditions were that forced people to seek shelter here for 20 years….

[@RobertWitham]

I haven't come across any theories on why they may have transitioned from being nomadic to settling and building dwellings in caves. I have come across theories about why they moved along - usually involving drought or other natural events that may have interrupted food supplies. It sure would be nice to have more written records about some of these historic sites!

[@rudytexas6825]

I think it was on some natural migration route

[@DutchK75]

My theory is about the time the Anasazi were in these cave dwellings. Is about the time the indigenous people we call Native American's were coming down from the Bering Strait. And if you notice where most of the cliff dwellings are is in major territories of war like tribes such as the Apache, Comanche and Utes had settled in. Not saying drought and environmental factors didn't attribute to the areas. But I'm pretty sure the Ansazi had seen droughts in the western US and Mexico before. The human factor may have been the tipping point. And with those tribes I'm sure they usurped those people in the form of slaves and whatnot. Those tribes being nomadic kept pushing south for more and more resources.

[@BootsEditor11]

Imagine living in this expansive land where you might randomly be attacked at any time, and perhaps seasonally. Imagine also after 20 years, depleting the wood supplies for heat and cooking, and for firing pots. Imagine depleting all the wildlife, deer moving away, rabbits all gone. And then appreciate what we have. Their paradise was not infinite.

[@sissietaylor9650]

So beautiful, thanks bunches for sharing 🙂☕☕💕

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I'll take your word on the road , I avoid roads like the one you described.

[@sissietaylor9650]

Hello far away friend ,was wondering how you've been 🙂, hopefully I'll be able to travel and say hello to you and others I wanted to in October but health issued was unable but 2022 I'll be prepared to handle what will work for me to travel 🙂,till than enjoy Every day 🌅🏞️🚐,🤗 happy holidays

[@LadyTSurvival]

It's pronounced"hee" la. The G is pronounced as H

[@Greg_Jones]

With accent on the ee. Like ee-la, just a hint of h. We know you're from New York, Floridians do the same thing.😊

[@arthurleslie9669]

Thanks for stoking the memories …

[@ToriLynnH]

I want more. Where are the sleeping parts and the cooking parts and potty parts, etc.

[@rebeccamckinney9037]

Beautiful video Robert and the accompanying music you chose captured the mood perfectly. I would love to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings and camp the Mogollon Rim! Not too far from Silver City so perhaps we could take the northern route from our home base in south central Texas if we get to return to KOKO Fest next year. I am sure it would be an amazing stop for a night or two.

[@RobertWitham]

The cliff dwellings are definitely worth visiting if you happen to be in the area again. I've only been to the Mogollon Rim once and that was several years ago. It is a really beautiful location!

[@debbieweckler6832]

Awesome. I'd love to visit here. Very good video and information.

[@debbieweckler6832]

Maybe use one of the pictures in your next calendar.

[@junemacintyre5289]

I was reading some of your reviews I did not realize that people were able to spend the night that many years ago I don't know if I would do it myself because of all the creaking sounds but I thought that was super cool thank you again for sharing

[@RobertWitham]

I had not known about people being able to sleep there in the past. That would be quite an experience!

[@lynnquinn7244]

Very nice video, which I enjoyed. However, 'Gila' is pronounced as hee - luh, as in Gila monster, (the lizard).

[@georgesheffield1580]

Up the middle fork are lots more cliff dwellings ,and food storage catches in small cliffs . There are fantastic rock formations up the different forks of the river . Lots of hot springs to as this is a Hugh volcanis calders .

[@deborahg4599]

Very nice!

[@junemacintyre5289]

Wow I really enjoyed your video this was fantastic thank you for sharing

[@RobertWitham]

I'm glad you enjoyed this video. It was definitely one of the most amazing places I have visited lately so I was glad to be able to share it.

[@darrellv7988]

Great video. Visited there 3 years ago - great trip down memory lane. Thanks for sharing.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Even today you can get their mail asking them to buy life insurance and fast food.

[@813lem]

As a mom, and person afraid of heights, i cant help thinking that living in these with young kids must have been nerve wracking. 2nd thought is how did they manage getting food water and building materials. And what about a bathroom?? 3. It would have been very dark inside with a roof on, what did they do for light? Not every room had a fire pit, even with one thats not enough light. There were days when you had things to do indoors and what was it like during stormy weather? I mean thunder, in a canyon, wow.

[@jennifershaw5232]

My family visited here in 2007 it was great to be able to get into the dwellings. I would disagree though and say that it is a fairly easy trail as we walked easily with my 2 year old.

[@KE-yi5zh]

very nice!

[@RobertWitham]

Thank you so much :) I appreciate the tip! Glad you enjoyed this video. These cliff dwellings are at the top of my list when it comes to the best places I have visited recently.

[@richardglady3009]

Thank you for making this trek and sharing your video.

[@sandracole-sv6fu]

gila..... pronounced heela .. just so you know

[@comontoshi]

This is the first time I have heard about this site. Thanks. 👍👍😘

[@giuliom8520]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@nickcarroll7510]

GREAT VIDEO AND PRODUCTION!!

[@gaylem4333]

Fascinating! Thanks!

[@maijaliepa119]

🐾Thank You🐾

[@undergroundunlimited2282]

Great footage!

[@michaelfisher7170]

Grew up in Silver City and visited the dwellings with my family many times. Thanks for this...brings back great memories.

[@RobertWitham]

I only stumbled across it as I was staying at an RV park in Silver City and looking at a map for anything interesting in the area for an outing. Once I saw the cliff dwellings on the map I thought it would be worth the trip. As it turned out, it far exceeded my expectations. The drive up there was so amazing that it was worth the trip too!

[@vicentamartinez]

Wow amazing

[@sueodonnell8387]

WOW, Robert. thank you so much! I hope to visit the monument while attending 2022 KOKO Fest!! It is outstanding.

[@RobertWitham]

I found it somewhat on accident. I was in Silver City for two weeks waiting for KOKO FEST this year and was just growing maps looking for anything interesting in the area for a day trip. This site far exceeded my expectations! The rangers are knowledgable and friendly, the site itself is mind blowing, and the drive from Silver City is a wonderful adventure all its own. I definitely recommend it for anyone visiting this area. It is truly one of the best places I have visited in a long time!

[@leenielsen7928]

Yes! One of my favorite stops on my western trip. Not everyone appreciates these areas. Mesa Verde was awesome.

[@RobertWitham]

I loved Mesa Verde when I visited it several years ago too. That place was incredible as well.

[@francisebbecke2727]

Rough place to have lived, so far from a Walmart.

[@robertallen6710]

Also, little to no cell service...😁

[@tesstruheart]

Sorry but it's pronounced like an H . Like "heela" cliff dwellings.

[@tinadelaluz3197]

Thank you for being so respectful of the sight. Great video, information, and music. ❤

[@Kralphrn]

That road is 20 mph for sure. haha

[@RobertWitham]

I loved it, but I definitely wasn't driving too fast! LOL

[@peggyannparkes1863]

OK -- you pronounce the word "Gila" like "Hee-la."Everytime you say it incorrectly, I just cringe. Good video inbetween cringes.

[@barttjones2727]

If Earth were a planet. Please show me show us in our Bible where it says earth is a planet, please show us where it says Earth starts spinning??? READ OUR BIBLE

[@forgetmenot7557]

Its pronounced Heela, not geeya, you didnt show the archway into the canyon, the view is spectacular lso the groto, where they prayed,you missed so much, also you didnt mention Grey Feather Lodge, kewl to eat,with tre in the middle of it with a stuffed mountain lion,and souveniers....

[@mikestachowski9960]

Great review.

[@RobertWitham]

Thanks, Mike! It was an unexpectedly awesome experience visiting these cliff dwellings. I expected it to be cool, but it was far better than I thought it would be.

[@whatwewantAItodo]

Look, the built walls are brown yet the Cave Walls are black from cavemen in pre history!!!

[@kristinebailey6554]

Note from a Spanish speaker: G when followed by i or e is pronounced like h. L is only pronounced as a y when it is double. As in tortilla.

[@kristinebailey6554]

Say what you want about public accessing ruins, but it eventually destroys the integrity of the site. People should not be crawling all over national monuments.

[@arcticgummibear4500]

Not sure anyone has mentioned this, but the word Gila is pronounced "Hee La". FYI. Thanks

[@joyfullone3968]

Thank you that was so interesting. I was in New Mexico a long time ago and thought it was very beautiful.

[@Eagle-nq2mv]

I can understand dwelling caves high up but not underground caves.Flooding underground and being trapped.

[@kristinebailey6554]

Dude, think gila monster, he la . Any time g is followed by i in Spanish, the g has an English h sound. As in gigante (he gan tay.)

[@donaldinnewmexico]

It is pronounced HE LUH.

[@georgesheffield1580]

The best tim to visit is the sprin and fall seasons . Summer is hot ,fire danger and monsoon season . Winter is cold and can have deep sudden snow .

[@wab4551]

"Gila" is pronounced "Hila".

[@wespenn7243]

The G is pronounced like an H. Hela.

[@wespenn7243]

Mogollon is pronounced mug-e-own.

[@cleatisparish5511]

Pronounced hela not gela

[@tamaratodd6179]

pronounced as Hela

[@TyrellDehose]

Gila (HEE-LAA)