Puye Cliffs

Puye Cliffs offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the native Pueblo people, who lived, farmed and hunted in this area as early as the 1100s. Located a thirty-minute drive north of Santa Fe, Puye Cliffs consists of two levels of cliff dwellings, ancestral Pueblo habitations, including niches and caves high in the canyons. Visitors must take a guided tour to access the property; some find the $35 per-person fee a bit steep, considering that you can see similar cliff dwellings for free at Bandelier National Monument. But that money goes toward the upkeep of this archeological treasure, and the guided visits are led by members of the Santa Clara Pueblo, who bring the history of this special place to life and can answer questions about contemporary life in Native American communities. Be aware that the two-hour tour requires some steep hiking, so participants should be in relatively good shape. (Less strenuous tours are also available.)