Cliff Dwellings
Early man in New Mexico was very
resourceful about where they set up housing. In New Mexico, many
families and communities were set up high in the sides of cliffs,
away from danger, near water and facing south to use the sun's
heat. Check out these Web sites to cliff dwellings around the
state. Visit them for an exciting step back into the past!
- Bandelier
National Monument
- Also known as Frijoles
Canyon Cliff Dwellings, there are guided and self-guided
tours of prehistoric ruins and cliff dwellings of the Anasazi
people. Visit a whole city with kivas & history intact. Campfire
programs, night walks, educational outreach programs, 2000-volume
library, picnic and camping! Located on State Highway 4, 12 miles
southwest of Los Alamos. (505) 672-3861
- Gila
Cliff Dwelling National Monument - Remains of dwellings built into natural caves
by the Mogollon people between 1270 and 1280 AD. Camping nearby.
Located 44 miles north of Silver City on State Highway 15 OR
66 miles north on U.S. Highway 180. (505) 536-9461 or 9344
- Manitou Cliff Dwellings -
the Anasazi people again. This site is in our neighboring state
of Colorado, but worth the drive. Spectacular!! Go to
their web site to learn more.
- Puye Cliff Dwellings -
Guided and self-guided tours are available at the Santa Clara
Pueblo of the Tewa people. There is much to do and see here:
pottery (redware, melon bowls, polychrome, carved blackware),
fishing, camping and picknicking. Also see the "Top House,"
and village ruins of the Santa Clara ancestral home, positioned
on a mesa top. The Santa Clara Pueblo is located 2 miles south
of Española, N.M., on State Highway 30. Permits and permission
are needed (505) 753-7326 Center
for Desert Archaeology Site
- More
about Native Americans in New Mexico
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