The Gila Wilderness Area Visitor Center, operated jointly by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, interprets the Cliff Dwellings (a National Historic Monument) located within the Wilderness Area. A stone out front features a plaque honoring Aldo Leopold (referenced in the book). His legacy is also described in the museum exhibits. The visitor center includes interpretive information and a video about the Indigenous People who lived in the caves. Allow at least half an hour to go through the museum and see the film.
The Visitor Center is best accessed via NM 35 (Trail of the Great Spirit Byway) from Mendes (where the U.S. Forest Service Administration Building is located) to NM 15 (a right turn), then drive 11 miles to the end of the road. It is recommended to access NM 15 via NM 35 at Mendes rather than taking NW 15 from Silver City, as this portion of NM 15 is narrow and unmarked for 18 miles, with almost continuous switchbacks. Watch for wildlife on both roads. On NM 15, about three miles from the Visitor Center, is a pullout for the Gila Wilderness Area (great for photos of the vast range). As the journey is about 40 miles one way, allow two hours for travel (particularly if traveling NM 15 the entire way). There is no cell service on NM15.
Extra tour opportunity: To reach the Cliff Dwellings, exit the parking lot of the Visitor Center and drive to the parking lot at the base of the Cliff Dwellings. The U.S. Forest Service has a trailer on-site with books and other information, and restrooms are also available. The walk to the Cliff Dwellings is about one mile (one way) along a path intersected with bridges and stone steps. About halfway up the route is a photo viewing platform to take pictures of the formerly inhabited caves. Once you reach the caves, there is a ladder to climb to the dwellings. A ranger is on site to assist. During inclement weather, the loop trail may be closed, and hikers must return the way they came. Allow at least two hours for the loop trip to the cliff dwellings.
