Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008
Rain that fell on January 27th, combined with snowmelt from the Mogollon Mountains, caused impressive flooding along the Gila River’s West and Middle Forks. Peak water levels on January 28th were the highest they have been in at least 25 years. While the flooding has now subsided, sections of Highway 15, including the approaches to the West Fork bridge that leads to the cliff dwellings, suffered extensive damage. The road near Little Creek, just above the community of Gila Hotsprings, reopened on Friday, February 1st. While the road is open to the Gila Visitor Center, the cliff dwellings, Upper and Lower Scorpion campgrounds, TJ and Woody’s corrals will be closed until repairs are completed to the West Fork bridge, estimated to take at least one more month. During the road closure, visitors to the park will be offered a unique chance to explore an archeological site – an unexcavated surface pueblo referred to as the TJ Ruin – that is usually closed to the public. Tours of the TJ site will be offered four times each day, starting on Saturday, February 2nd, and will only be available with a National Park Service guide. Daily guided tours meet at the Gila Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tours last approximately one and a half hours. Although there is no trail through the TJ site, the walk is considered easy. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather as the TJ site is located on an open mesa top. For more information call the Gila Visitor Center, open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, at 575-536-9461.
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