Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today that no entrance fee will be charged for visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument on June 21, 23001, the first day of spring. The multi-agency Gila Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are open daily from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm and while the gate to the Cliff Dwellings closes at 5:00 pm, visitors have another hour in which to complete their hike. Guided tours inside the Cliff Dwellings are scheduled daily for 1:00 pm, or visitors may also take the self-guided tour by obtaining a free copy of the Canyon Companion trail guide available at the trailhead. Persons planning to take a guided tour should begin hiking up from the trailhead contact station one half hour before the guided tour start times. The next FEE FREE Days will be September 25 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11-13 (Veterans Day Weekend).
While the Miller Fire burned through much of the Gila Valley, including the Monument no damage was sustained and now is a great time to come up and see the beginnings of the recovery as plants begin their natural recovery cycle. Deer and Elk are frequently being seen as they forage for green food in the burned areas, so be on the lookout for them and drive defensively.
Source: NPS