Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument – Spectacular Rock Formations

Kasha-Katuwe, which means “White Cliffs” in the Keresan language of the nearby Cochiti Pueblo, is a geological marvel to behold. Called “Tent Rocks” because of the tent- or tepee-like shapes, the formations at this National Monument were created 6.8 million years ago by volcanic eruptions in the nearby Jemez Mountains. The tent rocks are made of pumice, ash and tuff – soft volcanic materials – and were once part of the white cliffs that eroded downwards leaving tall cones, up to 90 feet tall. Some of the teepee-like structures have caprocks perched on top of them; an amazing balancing act on the part of Mother Nature.

Tsankawi Ruins, Bandelier National Monument – Ancient Puebloan Ruins

Tsankawi is an ancient pueblo site dating back to the 1400s when life teemed in what was believed to be a 350-room structure. Today, little is left of the pueblo except for a few walls, broken pottery shards, and a magical feel. Visitors are asked to respect this sacred space and to not to remove any artifacts.

To get to the pueblo site, atop a mesa, visitors have to follow a prehistoric path, cut deep into soft volcanic tuff. One gets an appreciation of the way the ancient people walked, using the same path, walking one foot in front of the other, respectful not to disturb the surrounding ground. On the other side of the ruins, where the trail drops down, the pueblo Indians carved caves into the cliffs. Visitors can enter the caves, view wall carvings, and mindfully experience the ancient dwellings. Enjoy viewing petroglyphs, imagine life as it once was atop this mesa with spectacular views of the mountains and the Rio Grande, and appreciate the beauty of this sacred site.

We also offer guided hikes to the main section of Bandelier National Monument where you can visit the Tyuonyi ruins and view partially restored cliff dwellings and talus houses.

Puye Cliffs – Experience Native American Culture & History

Home to the ancestors of present day Santa Clara pueblo people, it is thought that Puye supported approximately 1,500 inhabitants between the years 900 AD to 1580 AD. The National Historic Landmark site re-opened in 2009 after being closed for 8 years and is managed by the Santa Clara Development Corporation.

A visit to Puye is enchanting and enlightening. The mesa top dwellings have been excavated and partially rebuilt, with pottery shards scattered on the ground, offering visitors a glimpse of the past. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking and it’s easy to let your imagination go: picture daily life atop the mesa, most likely challenging in many ways but peaceful and spiritual. In addition to the mesa top tour, the visit to Puye includes a guided walk along the cliff dwellings. The guides, all from Santa Clara Pueblo, provide insights into their ancestors’ ways and, through their stories, reveal a little about their present day culture and traditions.

Your Santa Fe Walkabouts tour guide will accompany you as you walk the mesa top and along the cliff dwellings, adding value where needed.

Taos Tour – Scenic Views, History, Spirituality and the Arts!

Come ride the High Road to Taos and experience the spirituality of the land along the way with stops at Nambe, Chimayo and Las Trampas. Chimayo, known as the Lourdes of North America, is home to the Santuario de Chimayo, a simple yet lovely church built in the early 1800s on what is believed to be holy ground. Settled in the 1700s by the Spanish, the town is also acclaimed for its beautiful weavings of rugs and blankets.

Enjoy lunch in Taos, a charming and uniquely bohemian town, which attracted artistic souls like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, D.H. Lawrence and Mabel Dodge Luhan. And visit Taos Pueblo, the highlight of the tour, with its talented native artists, breathtaking views and a wealth of history.