Photo credit: National Park Service

Gila Cliff Dwellings were used as temporary shelter for years, discover the culture that was formed and what is now left behind. 

The dwellings were built by the Tularosa Mogollon, a name given to this group by archaeologists. It is believed the dwellings were occupied for roughly 30 years, from the 1270s to the 1300s. It is believed they chose to live in the dwellings due to the natural protection, excellent temperature regulation, running stream, and a wide variety of plants and animals. Some items can be found today such as animal remains, bird feathers, pottery shards, and corn cobs. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located in the Gila Wilderness within the Gila National Forest. Within the immediate vicinity of the cliff dwellings elevations range from 5,700 to 6,00 feet above sea level and grow to 7,300 feet within a few miles.  Discover animals such as mule deer and elk, and seldom seen black bear and mountain lions. 

https://www.nps.gov/gicl/index.htm