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Gila Cliff Dwellings Announces Fee-Free Weekend

By KRWG News

Silver City – Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today that no entrance fee will be charged for visiting Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument the weekend of August 14 -15, 2010.

The multi-agency Gila Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and while the gate to the Cliff Dwellings closes at 5:00 p.m., visitors have another hour in which to complete their hike.

Guided tours inside the Cliff Dwellings are offered daily at 1:00 p.m. Those planning to attend the tour should begin hiking up from the trailhead contact station no later than 12:30 p.m. Visitors may also take the self-guided tour by obtaining a free copy of the Canyon Companion trail guide available at the trailhead. A guided tour of the "Trail to the Past" is offered Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. This short 1/4 mile hike takes visitors to a small alcove dwelling and a large pictograph panel.

In recognition of Fee Free Weekend, Western National Parks Association will offer a 15% same-day discount on August 14th and 15th at the Monument bookstore. Teachers will receive the standard 20% discount.

TJ SITE TOUR

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument will be offering a ranger-guided tour of the TJ Site on Saturday, August 14, 2010. This tour offers the public an opportunity to explore the TJ Site, an unexcavated surface pueblo that is usually closed to the public. This free tour will be offered on Saturday, August 14th at 11:00 a.m. and will last approximately 1 hours. The tour is limited to 20 people and reservations should be made in advance by calling the Gila Visitor Center at (575) 536-9461.

While there is no established trail through the TJ Site, participants are required to stay with the guides. To preserve the integrity of the site and allow future visitors the same opportunity to view this site in the same condition, participants on the hike may not pick up or disturb any artifacts or natural features. Sturdy walking shoes and water are recommended. Visitors should dress for the weather, as the TJ Site is on an open mesa top and may be very windy and/or rainy.