Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway
Take the Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (and back to Georgetown).
Stop #1: the Gila Cliff Dwellings
The ride from Georgetown Cabins Resort to the Cliff Dwellings will take you from 1 to 1.5 hours to get there. You will drive 25 minutes along the Magical Mimbres Valley on highway 35 until you reach beautiful Lake Roberts and Highway 15. Here you will turn right on highway 15 and drive another 25 minutes until you reach the visitors’ center and the Cliff Dwellings themselves. Be sure to stop at the visitors’ center and see their movie and talk with the folks. Then on to the Cliff Dwellings where they will have guides to talk to. Plan on at least an hour to tour the Cliff Dwellings themselves! It is best to go to the Cliff Dwellings in the morning when the winds are calm, and the afternoon monsoons are not building up yet.
If there is a lightening storm or a flood warning, be sure to call ahead as they do close the Cliff Dwellings during certain weather situations.
Stop #2: Pinos Altos & Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House.
Continue on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits back down highway 15 to Pinos Altos (about 1 hour from Lake Roberts). Check out the oldest operating tavern in the state of New Mexico, the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House. There is a lot of history in the Buckhorn, and they welcome you coming in to take a look around. You can grab a bite to eat in the bar area, or make a reservation for dinner in the dining room. You won’t be disappointed!
(Buckhorn opens at 3:00 Monday through Saturday, not open on Sunday)
Back to Georgetown
Continue following the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway back to Georgetown for a little unwind time and to contemplate your day!
Photo from America's Byways
Fishing at Lake Roberts (guest submission)
