I'm posting this here and under New Mexico, since we are going both places. We don't want to overwhelm the kids (or us) with pueblos, so which (both ruins and occupied)should we pick to see and why? We are landing in Phoenix, then going to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and across to Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Taos. From there on I think we're out of the pueblo area: south to Roswell and Carlsbad Caverns. Thanks...



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First of all, be aware that there is only one forum; it's for all fifty states. In other words, you posted twice.

ANYWAY, the best occupied pueblo is Taos Pueblo; an authentic place where people live the same way they did 300 years ago. Be aware that photography is strictly forbidden without a permit; and even then it's restricted.

The best unoccupied pueblo along your route is probably Montezuma Castle, although Bandelier N.M is also good. The best anywhere is at Mesa Verde, but that's a bit out of your way.

The Taos pueblo is awesome. They charge an entrance fee and also allow pics IF you ask while purchasing something (jewelry, sand paintings etc) from one of the resident craftspeople. We were also fortunate to see the end of a wedding as they came out of the historic church. (tourists aren't allowed inside).

Also, be sure to check out Walnut Canyon Nat'l Monument, south of flagstaff near Montezuma Nat'l Mt. Theres a short, easy hike where you can actually stand in a cliff dwelling.

Another pueblo that you can drive around (and also see from I 40) is the Laguna Pueblo, near albuquerque.

Bandelier was my favorite as a kid and adult. There's easy hikes and beautiful scenery. The last time I was there, 2 sections of the park existed- the front part, staffed and maintained by the forest service, and the back part which is a self-guided tour. The front is neat, but the back part is what I liked the best. There's chalk stairways, cave dwellings, broken pottery strewn across fields, and virtually no other people. It was really neat to walk the same paths that the original inhabitants did.

I also vote for Taos and Montezuma. Both are neat and can take a whole day or a few hours, depending on your family. We spent more time in Montezuma, but my Dad is an ancient history freak and he was driving. They did have a good museum, though.

Bandelier and Taos are great - we've been to both. But the one we were most awed by was Acoma Pueblo. It's on top of a mesa, not far from Albuquerque. It isn't currently occupied except for feast days, and on those days it's closed to visitors, but it has a fascinating history and it's incredibly beautiful.

Oops - I was trying to post it under the New Mexico and Arizona sub-forums, but - obviously - I didn't! I'll try again.

Thanks, everyone. I didn't realize you could go in a dweilling at Walnut Canyon - that would be a hit with the kids. Our youngest (11) has some muscle tone difficulties, so he tires more quickly than the other boys: he's good for about 3/4 of a mile to a mile, then we have to rest or he gets a cramp (he doesn't "belly breath" so his oxygen level drops). Can you give me an idea of the distances we would have to walk at the places you mentioned - the back part of Bandelier, in particular. Thanks.

my favorite also is acoma pueblo, sky city, between gallup and grants nm. it is up on a mesa - a bus takes you up and a guide walks you around the small town that dates back hundreds of years.

the spanish took the pueblo over in the 1600's. the priest was so terrible to the residents that, during the pueblo revolution, they threw him over the cliff. a fitting end i thought. nearby is another mesa with another gruesome story that i will let your guide tell.

beautiful views of the countryside and mt. taylor, the navaho turquoise mountain, which also has a wonderful legend about monster slayer and changing woman, as told in the tony hillerman books.

these areas, santa fe, taos and grand canyon are 7,000 feet and over
so it would be smart to take it easy for a few days until you get used to it.

bandelier has a lot of walking and climbing to see the good stuff, taos pueblo was closed the day i went - i would check with the santa fe tourist bureau downtown. the international museum of folk art in santa fe is wonderful, so is santa fe. can i come?

Bandelier does require a lot of walking, especially the back part. I would still recommend it, since the front part is still cool, but less strenuous. There's a cave dwelling in the front part that's fun to see and I remember picnic areas next to a river and big trees, so it might be a good place to relax as well.

Montezuma was definitely not as strenuous, but is a more controlled environment than the back part of Bandelier. They were doing excavations last time I was there, which was a pleasant surprise.

Of all those mentioned, Taos would likely have the least amount of walking, and imho, its the best. You can explore at your leisure, or take a tour with a guide.

Walnut Canyon wouldn't be appropriate or your son, because it has 200+ steps to climb to get out. He could probably walk enough to enjoy Bandelier, and other family members who wanted to do more of a hike might just go a little further. I also agree that Taos is a good idea. As far as other uninhabited dwellings, Aztec Ruins and Hovenweep would be doable. One big caveat: all these places tend to be at 6000-7000 feet elevation, which may be a real problem.

Thanks, all. I will check with Rob's doctor and physical therapist about the altitude thing. I really hadn't thought of it - we haven't been to real mountains since he was born.

Hi adeewebstr,

The main part of Bandelier does not involve all that much walking and there are benches along the way for rest breaks. The walking in this part is mostly level, so no up and down. There are some dwellings you can only get to by climbing pueblo ladders. This is quite steep and if you have a problem with heights, watch out. Your kids will love this part! Maybe hubby could sit below and watch if it is too much for him because the climb up the series of ladders is very steep.

When you get to Bandalier, check out the Ranger programs. One time we went on guided night walk and it was the most enchanting time. In the cliff dwellings were people playing drums, flutes and chanting. We heard Native American folk tales and learned about the history of Bandalier.

As for Taos Pueblo, all the walking is level, with no up or down. You'll be able to buy some "Indian" bread that they bake in their horno's here. That would make a fun treat for the family.

Now, to tempt you: Zuni pueblo has a magnificent church with amazingly beautiful giant-sized kachinas painted along the walls inside the church. There is also tremendous shopping in Zuni if you like inlay work. I would buy my jewelry here! The Zuni's are world-reknown for their craftsmanship. You could perhaps make a short stop in Zuni to take a break. You'll have to check a map to see if it would make sense for you.

Then, one of my favorite places: Chaco Canyon, contains old Anasazi ruins which you can drive to and then walk around. This place is way off the beaten path, is a bit of a pain to get to, so you won't have crowds. (Bandalier and Taos Pueblo can be quite crowded.)