Cliff Dwellings

• Day:  11
• Start:  0
• End:  14
• Miles:  14
• Hours:  10
• High temp:  70
• Low temp:  46
• People met:  16

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After a morning road walk, we arrived at the Gila Cliff Dwellings.  A nice little 1 mile loop takes us up a tight, densely foliaged canyon to the dwellings. Very fascinating to actually have the natural openings, then people's moved materials into these openings to make homes.  I have a fond memory of taking my children up here about 20 years ago. 

Cliff Deellings

The next plan it to hike a short 4.5 trail that will get us back to the Gila River.  This trail is high open desert until the last .5 or so, when it drops into a very tight little  slot canyon with severe walls. A small creek runs in this canyon. Like s mini Gila.  This section is majestic, just a pleasure to hike. 

Back to business as usual on the Gila, river crossings to beat the band. After about 3 miles we arrive at the Jordan Hot Springs, the some say the crown jewel of the Gila. A warm, 94*, waterfall tumbles gently into a beautiful azure soaking pool. This pool is large enough for 10 or more. The water is sulfur free, but has the advantage of a high mineral content. So even after a short day of sightseeing we have to soak again, after all it's the crown Jewell. 

Jordan Hot Springs

Later in the afternoon I hike another couple of miles to a good camp location. The rest of the guys hike on a while wanting bigger miles. Light is fading in the canyon so I stop early for the day. Tomorrow more river crossings.