Gila Cliff Dwellings, Mimbres Valley, Gila Wilderness

I've been delaying the report of our trip through Mimbres Valley along the Gila, and then on to Gila Cliff Dwellings. It's because it impressed me so deeply; my photos and goofy narration aren't going to get close enough to touch the actual experience.

Instead, I'll show you a snake:

Western diamondback rattler

She remained in place through the entire shoot like a good Ford Agency model.

Luckily I was a passenger through the Mimbres Valley, so I could gawp openly. As the river wandered from the road, or vice versa, I couldn't look away from the green of the tall trees along its bank. I blew out my green-see-buds. 

Unluckily, I was a passenger into the swervy mountain roads. The ride was as smooth as was possible, but I caught passenger seasickness. Just the same, I managed to tumble out of the car at every stop to damn the view with faint praise. "Wow, that's really great!" "Whoo, lookit that!" My camera did its own damning, but I'm gonna show you, anyway.

The trail to the Gila cliff dwellings and back is Duck-strenuous. Calibrate for your own level of fitness. About a mile round-trip, with a 175' change in elevation. Both ways. Fee is $3 per person. I offered the volunteer $20 to carry me. Some people actually have no price.

The steps I used.

The ladder I didn't.

We stopped at the petroglyphs on the way out. They rock.

On your way here, or back down, you need to stop at Doc Campbell's Post. Use any means at your disposal to sit on a toilet there. I promise it's not an experience you'll have everywhere.

City of Rocks State Park is a lovely and peaceful experience. Plus snakes.