Archaeological evidence shows that human activity in North America dates back roughly 13,000 years, with spots like the Clovis site in New Mexico providing key discoveries, including unique stone tools found alongside remains of extinct animals. New Mexico is notable for its high concentration of archaeological sites, with over 190,000 recorded to date. This abundance is attributed to the state’s arid climate, which aids in the preservation of artifacts, and its rich history of indigenous cultures, such as the Ancestral Puebloans, who established extensive communities in the region. Here are ten must-visit ancient sites in New Mexico.
1. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico preserves the remnants of a major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture that flourished between 850 and 1250 CE. The Chacoans constructed monumental stone buildings, known as “great houses,” some reaching up to four stories high with hundreds of rooms. These structures, including the notable Pueblo Bonito, showcase advanced masonry techniques and precise astronomical alignments, reflecting the Chacoans’ sophisticated understanding of architecture and celestial events.
When you visit Chaco Canyon, you’ll notice that the park features a nine-mile loop road that provides access to five major Chacoan sites, each with self-guided trails. Highlights include the expansive Pueblo Bonito and the Great Kiva at Casa Rinconada, a subterranean ceremonial chamber. The park’s remote location also makes it ideal for stargazing, with programs dedicated to exploring the pristine night sky.
To enhance your visit, start at the visitor center to view exhibits and obtain trail guides. Be prepared for limited amenities due to the park’s isolation, and respect the cultural significance of this sacred ancestral homeland.
Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox
Sign up to our Free Weekly Newsletter
2. Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument, located near Los Alamos, New Mexico, spans over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon and mesa terrain. This area preserves the archaeological remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the region from approximately 1150 to 1550 CE. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings carved into volcanic tuff, standing masonry walls, and petroglyphs that offer insights into the daily lives and culture of these early inhabitants.
A highlight of the monument is the Main Loop Trail, a 1.2-mile path that guides visitors through key archaeological sites, including the impressive Tyuonyi Pueblo and the cliff-side dwellings of Long House. For a more adventurous experience, the Alcove House Trail leads to a large alcove 140 feet above the canyon floor, accessible via a series of ladders and stone steps.
Bandelier offers diverse hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing, and stunning landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The park’s visitor center provides educational exhibits and information to enhance the experience.
3. Aztec Ruins National Monument
This iconic monument is located in northwestern New Mexico. It preserves the remnants of a 12th-century Ancestral Puebloan community. Despite its name, the site has no connection to the Aztec civilization; early settlers mistakenly attributed the ruins to them.
The monument features the Aztec West Great House, a multi-story structure with over 400 interconnected rooms, original timber roofs, and a reconstructed Great Kiva, a ceremonial chamber that will help you learn about the spiritual life of its builders.
You can embark on a half-mile, self-guided trail through the great house, exploring its intricate architecture and preserved artifacts. The visitor center, once the home of pioneering archaeologist Earl Morris, houses a museum with 900-year-old pottery and jewelry and offers the 15-minute film “Aztec Ruins: Footprints of the Past.” The monument was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.
4. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, located in southwestern New Mexico, preserves the ancient homes of the Mogollon people, who inhabited the area during the late 1200s CE.
When visiting this unique ancient site in New Mexico, you can explore the cliff dwellings via a one-mile loop trail that ascends 180 feet above the canyon floor, providing access to several caves and the rooms constructed within them. The trail is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. It’s recommended to allow one to two hours to complete the hike and fully appreciate the site.
The Gila Visitor Center, open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offers exhibits and information to enhance the experience. Given the monument’s remote location, visitors should plan accordingly, as the 44-mile drive from Silver City can take up to two hours due to the mountainous and winding nature of the road.
5. Taos Pueblo
This remarkable Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years can be found in northern New Mexico. Its iconic multi-storied adobe structures, built between 1000 and 1450 CE, exemplify traditional Puebloan architecture and have earned the site recognition as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
The Pueblo is divided by the Rio Pueblo de Taos, with the most prominent buildings, Hlauuma (North House) and Hlaukwima (South House), situated on either side of the river. These structures are constructed entirely of adobe, earth mixed with water and straw, formed into bricks and sun-dried, then coated with additional adobe plaster. This traditional building method provides excellent insulation, maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round.
The community actively preserves its heritage through traditional ceremonies, language, and crafts. Each year, residents participate in the replastering of the adobe walls, a communal activity that reinforces both the structures and cultural bonds.
Guided tours offer insights into the Pueblo’s history, architecture, and traditions. The community also hosts annual events, such as the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow, featuring traditional dances, music, and crafts. It’s important to remember that Taos Pueblo is a living community; visitors are asked to respect local customs and areas designated as private.
6. Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)
Acoma Pueblo, known as “Sky City,” is perched atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa in New Mexico and is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, with origins dating back to around 1100 A.D. The pueblo’s strategic location was chosen for its defensive advantages against neighboring tribes.
The architecture of Acoma Pueblo is notable for its multi-story adobe buildings, constructed from earth mixed with water and straw, then sun-dried. These structures have been meticulously maintained through generations, reflecting the community’s dedication to preserving their ancestral heritage.
A significant landmark within the pueblo is the San Estévan del Rey Mission Church, built in the 17th century. The construction of this church involved the Acoma people transporting approximately 20,000 tons of adobe, sandstone, straw, and mud up the mesa. Despite its origins during a period of forced labor, the church is now regarded as a cultural treasure by the Acoma community.
When you’re at Acoma Pueblo, you can benefit from guided tours led by tribal members, where you’ll learn about the pueblo’s history, culture, and traditions. The Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum serve as the starting point for these tours, providing educational exhibits and cultural programs. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday, with multiple departures daily.
7. Zuni Pueblo
Zuni Pueblo, located in western New Mexico, is the largest of the state’s 19 pueblos, encompassing over 400,000 acres. The Zuni people, known for their unique language and culture, are believed to be descendants of the Ancient Puebloans, with archaeological evidence indicating continuous habitation in the area for approximately 1,300 years.
Visiting Zuni Pueblo offers a rich cultural experience. The A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center provides insights into Zuni history and traditions. Guided tours, available through the Zuni Visitor Center, allow visitors to explore significant archaeological and historical sites, including the Middle Village and the ancestral village of Hawikku, the first pueblo encountered by Spanish explorers in 1540.
The Zuni community is renowned for its artistry, particularly in jewelry, pottery, and fetish carvings. Visitors can purchase authentic Zuni crafts directly from local artisans, supporting the preservation of traditional skills.
To fully appreciate the Zuni way of life, consider participating in a cultural adventure tour, which may include traditional cooking classes, embroidery workshops, or visits to artists’ studios.
8. Petroglyph National Monument
This iconic ancient site, located along Albuquerque’s West Mesa, safeguards one of North America’s largest collections of petroglyphs, ancient images etched into volcanic rocks by Native Americans in the western US and early Spanish settlers between 400 and 700 years ago. These carvings, numbering around 24,000, depict animals, people, and symbols, serving as a vital record of cultural expression and holding profound spiritual significance for contemporary Indigenous communities.
When visiting, make sure to explore the monument’s distinct areas, including Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanoes Day Use Area. Trails wind through stunning landscapes where petroglyphs are easily visible, offering opportunities for reflection and connection with the past. The monument’s volcanic cones, located in the Volcanoes Day Use Area, also provide sweeping views of the surrounding terrain.
Begin your journey at the Las Imágenes Visitor Center, where knowledgeable staff can provide maps and insights into the monument’s rich history.
9. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, located near Mountainair, New Mexico, preserves the remnants of three 17th-century Spanish missions: Quarai, Abó, and Gran Quivira. These sites offer a glimpse into the interactions between Spanish colonizers and the Puebloan peoples, highlighting a period marked by cultural exchange and conflict.
The monument’s history dates back to the early 1600s when Spanish missionaries established churches alongside thriving Pueblo communities. The missions were constructed between 1622 and 1635, aiming to convert the indigenous population to Christianity. However, by the late 1670s, drought, disease, and tensions between the Spanish and Native Americans led to the abandonment of these settlements.
When you visit Salinas Pueblo Missions, you can explore the well-preserved ruins of the mission churches and surrounding structures. Each site features interpretive trails that guide visitors through the historical landscapes. The Headquarters Visitor Center in Mountainair provides exhibits and information to enhance the experience.
10. El Morro National Monument
Located in western New Mexico, El Morro National Monument is a sandstone promontory that has served as a significant landmark for centuries. Known as “Inscription Rock,” its base features over 2,000 inscriptions and petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish explorers, and American travelers, documenting their journeys and interactions.
Between approximately 1275 and 1350 AD, up to 600 Ancestral Puebloans resided atop El Morro in a 355-room pueblo known as Atsinna, meaning “place of writings on the rock.” The reliable waterhole at the base made it an ideal settlement location.
Visitors can explore the Inscription Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that leads to the pool and past numerous inscriptions and petroglyphs. For a more extensive experience, the 2-mile Headland Trail ascends to the mesa top, offering panoramic views and access to the Atsinna ruins.
The visitor center provides exhibits and a 15-minute introductory film detailing El Morro’s cultural and natural history. Operating hours vary seasonally; it’s advisable to check current schedules before planning a visit.
