Gila Cliff Dwellings Reopen After Flooding

SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) – The Gila Cliff Dwellings near Silver City are open again. They’ve been closed for more than two weeks because a bridge was damaged by flooding.

But monument Superintendent Steve Riley says temporary repairs have been made to the bridge. That allows access to the cliff dwellings, Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds and other sites in the area.

However, monument officials say West Fork trail is not recommended right now and trails in canyon bottoms may be difficult to follow or even impassible.

Officials recommend travelers check in advance with the Gila Visitors Center because the cliff dwellings could be closed off and on over the next few months for ongoing bridge repairs.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)