There are two picnic areas at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. One is located at the Gila Visitor Center and the other is behind the WNPA Bookstore near the cliff dwellings trailhead. There is no trash service in the area so please plan to pack it in and pack it out. All picnic tables are first-come, first-served.
Gila Visitor Center
- Three tables, mostly shaded
- Potable water available
- Flush toilets nearby
- Outside of visitor center
Trailhead
- Numerous tables
- Shade structures
- Potable water
- Vault toilets nearby
- Behind the WNPA Bookstore
Keep Wildlife Wild
The monument is surrounded by the Gila Wilderness and is home to many wild animals including black bears, ravens, and squirrels. Many animals are quick learners and seek out food, often getting into bags and coolers. Please follow these recommendations.
- Never feed wild animals, including birds and squirrels. Animals that become dependent on human or non-natural food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed.
- Keep your distance from wildlife, even if they approach you first.
- Keep all food and scented items within arm's reach
- Store all food when not in use. Keep all food, garbage, or smelly items in your vehicle so that animals cannot access them. Coolers in the back of pickup trucks, bags or soft-sided containers are not secure enough.
- Pack it in, pack it out. There is no trash service at the monument or in the surrounding area.
