Pueblos and Reservations
Visit
the events calendar to see what public events are at the pueblos.
Please refer to the Cultural Etiquette section for tips on visiting
tribal lands before you go.
New Mexico is home to 19 pueblos and 3 reservations. See Maps: Indian Pueblos and Reservations for location information.
Pueblos:
Pueblos
PO Box 309, Acoma, NM 87034
505-469-1052; 800-747-0181 (Visitors Center); 505-552-6604 (Governor)
www.acomaskycity.org
Fifty miles west of Albuquerque,
Acoma Pueblo is impressively situated atop a 365-foot sandstone mesa.
Although most present-day Acomas have residences in nearby villages,
several families still occupy the old homes on the mesa (known as "Sky City"). The delicately decorated pottery of Acoma is among the most prized of Indian crafts. Many fine pieces are for sale in the Visitors Center
at the base of the mesa, which also houses a museum, a restaurant and
the information center where tours of the pueblo are arranged. Visitors
may attend several festivals during the year at the pueblo. Guided hikes
are available. Tribal operated gaming is available at Sky City Casino.
The pueblo also operates the Sky City Hotel and Conference Center.
Hours: Summer 8am-7pm; Winter 8am-4pm (last tour leaves an hour before closing).
Admission: $9 adults, $6 ages 5-17; under 5 free; $8 seniors.
Photography: Photography is allowed for a fee; camera permits are $10. Videotaping is prohibited.
Groups: Group fees are available for groups of 15 and over. Advance notice is required.
Cochiti (KOH-chee-tee)
PO Box 70; Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072
505-465-2244
Cochiti Pueblo is midway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The Storyteller, a seated adult with a number of children sitting
around her, is one of the most popular pieces of Cochiti Pueblo pottery.
Many Cochiti artists also work in watercolors, ink and oil paint.
Cochiti is well-known for its handcrafted, double-headed drums (drums
play a significant role in pueblo ceremonials). Cochiti Lake
offers fishing, sailing, swimming and other water sports. Cochiti Lake
Golf Course is ranked among the top 25 courses in the United States.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Admission: Free.
Photography: No photography or sketching allowed.
Groups: Advance notice required.
Isleta (iss-LEH-tah)
PO Box 1270, Isleta Pueblo, NM 87022
505-869-3111 or 505-869-6333 Fax: 505-869-4236
Isleta
Pueblo produces red-clay pottery decorated with red and black designs
on a white background. The public is invited to several dances during
the summer, a September fair and Christmas festivals. Camping and
fishing at Sunrise Lake on the reservation is a popular vacation location. Tribal-operated gaming is available at Isleta Casino and Resort.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Admission: Free.
Photography: Photography limited to church only.
Groups: Advance notice required.
7413 Hwy 4, Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024
505-834-7235 (Visitor Center); 505-834-7359 (Governor); Fax: 505-834-2221
Jemez
Pueblo's village of Walatowa is 55 miles northwest of Albuquerque
(approximately one hour's drive) and has been occupied since the 16th
century. Many Pueblo
buildings date back to the period following the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
Jemez is the only remaining pueblo to -speak the Towa dialect, an
unwritten language. Jemez Pueblo has a closed village policy and
visitors are welcome into the village only on feast days. The Walatowa Visitor Center
provides visitor information about feast days, group tours and has a
gift shop featuring Jemez pottery. Interpretive exhibits introduce
visitors to the history, culture and experience of the Jemez people. The
Jemez people are known for their pottery, storytellers, figurines,
sculpture, basketry, embroidery, woven cloths, moccasins and jewelry.
Hours: 8am-5pm daily.
Admission: Free. (Donations appreciated.)
Photography: Permitted only at the Jemez Red Rocks.
Groups: Group presentations available for groups of 15 or more. Advance notice required.
PO Box 194, Laguna Pueblo, NM 87026
505-552-6654; Fax: 505-552-6941
Laguna
Pueblo is actually comprised of six major villages, with tribal offices
in Old Laguna. The pueblo has existed at this site, about 45 miles west
of Albuquerque
off I-40, since as early as 1450. Traditional pottery-making was
revived in the 1970s and today's Laguna painters and jewelers work with
innovative designs and techniques, distinguishing their work from many
other craftspeople. Laguna's many festivals draw large crowds--including
other tribes--to enjoy sporting events and to trade in arts and crafts,
produce and other goods. At Casa Blanca Village,
a shopping center just off I-40, visitors can purchase pueblo arts and
crafts. Gaming, a full-service restaurant and a snack bar are available
at Dancing Eagle Casino and Travel Center at Exit 108.
Hours: 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: Free.
Photography: Photography limited to certain areas.
Groups: Advance notice required.
Route 1 Box 117-BB, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-455-2036; Fax: 505-455-2038
Nambe
Pueblo (Nambe--Mound of earth, land in a circle) is tucked away at the
base of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 23 miles north
of Santa Fe. Take Hwy 84-285 north to Pojoaque, turn right on 503 East
Nambe Exit and proceed 3 miles, turn right at the Nambe Waterfalls Hwy
(NP101). Local artists continue to make the traditional micaceous
pottery, which is a recently revived technique. These artists and many
others also do weaving, jewelry, stone sculpture and black or red
pottery. Nambe Pueblo celebrates its annual feast day on October 4 in
honor of the birthday of St. Frances de Assisi. A lake and natural
waterfall are located 2 miles east of the pueblo; facilities include a
picnic area, fishing, camping, hiking and motorless boating on the lake.
Visitors can view 15 to 20 majestic buffalo grazing in their natural
habitat.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: No admission to view the pueblo. Permits required for photography.
Lake/Recreation costs: Fishing $10, admission is $5 and up.
Groups: Reservations are required for guided tours of the buffalo, contact Ben Yates at 505-455-2036.
Waterfalls/Recreation area: Call 505-455-2304 (seasonal March to September).
PO Box 127, Peñasco, NM 87553
505-587-2957 (Visitor Center); 505-587-2519 (Governor); Fax: 505-587-1071
Picuris
Pueblo, often referred to as "Hidden Valley," is located 25 miles
southeast of Taos, near the town of Peñasco on NM-75. It is one of the
smallest pueblos. Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in the early
1540s, its population was estimated between 2,000 to 3,000. Since the
mid-1960s there has been a revival of traditional religious activities.
Picuris celebrates San Lorenzo Feast Day in August of each year. Picuris
potters are known for their unornamented pottery, which has an
interesting texture and a subtle glitter from small chips of mica in the
pottery clay. A museum houses artifacts, and offers arts and crafts for
purchase. Visitor attractions include a trout-stocked fishing lake,
picnic area, overnight campground and archaeological excavations.
Restaurant: 9am-6pm daily. Seats 100, open
9am-6pm in the winter with extended hours in the summer. (May be closed
for renovations; call ahead.)
Admission: $3 per person for self-guided tour.
Photography: Camera, camcorder and sketching fee.
Groups: Reservation required. Group rates available. Groups welcome, but guided tours are unavailable
Route 11 Box 21-GS, Santa Fe, NM 87501
505-455-3334 ext. 5056; 505-455-3460 (Tourist Center); 505-455-3901 (Governor); Fax: 505-455-7128
Pojoaque Pueblo is located 15 scenic miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 84-285. The Pojoaque Valley is situated amid the spectacular landscape of northern New Mexico's juniper and piñon tree hilltops, mesas and mountains. The name Pojoaque is a Spanish version of Po Suwae Geh,
which means "water drinking place." The people of Pojoaque have
returned from near extinction and have generated a multiplex of tribally
owned and operated enterprises all while maintaining a traditional
cultural base. The Pueblo of Pojoaque's Tribal Council established the Poeh Museum and Cultural Center
in 1988 as a permanent tribally owned and operated mechanism for
cultural preservation and revitalization within the pueblo communities
of the northern Rio Grande Valley.
The Center emphasizes arts and cultures of all pueblo people with focus
on the Tewa-speaking pueblos of Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara and Tesuque; and the Tiwa-speaking pueblos of Picuris and Taos.
Additional funds generated via the tribally owned Cities of Gold Casino
with Las Vegas-style gaming, and Cities of Gold Hotel, 505-455-3313,
have been used to create the Pojoaque Wellness Center
which houses a gym, pool, library, CHR Program, Senior Citizens Center
and a Boys and Girls Club for tribal and non-tribal members. The Pojoaque Pueblo Tourist Center,
505-455-3460, displays and sells locally produced Native art and other
souvenirs. Also available are gas stations and convenience stores, Towa
Golf Course, True Value Hardware, Sports Bar and Casino and numerous
restaurants. The pueblo's feast days are December 11 and 12, and January
6.
If you have any questions, please contact dmoya@poehcenter.com or call 505-455-3334 ext. 5056.
PO Box 6008, Bernalillo, NM 87004
505-867-3317; Fax: 505-867-9235
www.sandiapueblo.nsn.us
Sandia Pueblo, located 14 miles north of Albuquerque, is visible from I-25 but
must be accessed off NM-313. Sandia has been in existence at its
present site since as early as 1300 A.D., and was one of the campsites
of Coronado in 1541. Pueblo land elevations range from 5,000 feet in the Rio Grande Valley to 8,200 feet in the foothills of the Sandia
Mountains. Visitors are welcome to Sandia Pueblo's annual feast day on
June 13. The Pueblo owns and operates three enterprises: 1) Sandia Lakes Recreation Area (505-897-3971), located 15 minutes from downtown Albuquerque, with fishing, picnicking, nature trails and a bait and tackle shop. 2) Bien Mur Indian Market Center (800-365-5400, www.bienmur.com), with the highest quality of Indian arts and crafts. 3) Sandia Resort & Casino (800-526-9366, www.sandiacasino.com), located immediately north of Albuquerque
and deemed one of the most beautiful and spacious gaming facilities in
the Southwest. Las Vegas-style gaming, gift shop, buffet/fine dining,
deli/coffee shop, lounge, amphitheater, and extraordinary views of the Sandia Mountains all add to the fun and excitement of Sandia Casino.
Hours: Bien Mur Market Center: 9am-5:30pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.
PO Box 4339, San Felipe Pueblo, NM 87001
505-867-3381; Fax: 505-867-3383
San
Felipe Pueblo is situated 30 miles northwest of Albuquerque off 1-25
and about 10 miles north of Bernalillo. The present pueblo was founded
during the early 18th century and today still retains its traditional
customs. Outsiders are generally not encouraged to visit but the pueblo
does welcome visitors to the Annual Feast Day on May 1. Innovative
pottery and some jewelry forms are produced by pueblo members.
Tribal-operated gaming is available at San Felipe Casino Hollywood.
Other: Visitors discouraged; contact Pueblo Office.
Route 5 Box 315-A; Santa Fe, NM 87506
505-455-3549 (Visitor Center); 505-455-2273 (Governor); Fax: 505-455-7351
San
Ildefonso has been located at its present site, 20 miles northwest of
Santa Fe off NM 502, the road to Los Alamos, since the late 1500s.
Beautifully situated on the eastern bank of the Rio Grande,
San Ildefonso is very well known for its black-on-black pottery which
commands the respect of fine art collectors worldwide. Some dances are
open to the public throughout the year; of particular importance is the
Buffalo-Deer Dance, which takes place on San Ildefonso's feast day. A
museum displays local arts and crafts. The Visitors Center can provide additional information and direct people to craft shops in the pueblo. Fishing is available at the lake.
Hours: 8am-5pm daily (Visitor Center hours).
Admission: $3 carload.
Photo Fee: Photos are allowed, for a fee, in the village only. Certain areas of the pueblo are off limits.
Groups: Advance notice required.
For dance and other information please contact the Visitor Center prior to arrival.
PO Box 1099, San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566
505-852-4400 (Visitors Center); 505-852-4210 (Governor); Fax: 505-852-4820
Previously known as San Juan Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh is located five miles north of Española off US-285. In 2005 the San Juan
pueblo changed its name back to its original name, Ohkay Owingeh, which
means "place of the strong people." The pueblo is headquarters of the
Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council, which promotes cooperative efforts
among the northern pueblos. The pueblo has a well-known art center, the
Ohkay Owingeh Arts & Crafts Cooperative. Traditional arts here
include woodcarving and pottery. Buffalo,
Basket and Cloud Dances with beautifully dressed dancers are presented
several times a year. Tribal-operated gaming is available at Ohkay
Casino and Resort.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Photography: Current Tribal Council prohibits cameras of any sort.
Groups: Advance notice required.
2 Dove Road, Santa Ana, NM 87004
505-867-3301; Fax: 505-867-3395
The
Pueblo of Santa Ana is located on NM-550, about 8 miles northwest of
Bernalillo, just west of the confluence of the Rio Jemez and Rio Grande.
Santa Ana is a small pueblo with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. Although Santa Ana
is one of the smaller pueblos, the people take pride in being one of
the more progressive economically. The pueblo has become a multi-faceted
corporation, with enterprises such as the Tamaya Cooperative (selling
traditional items, as pottery and textiles), a Garden Center, Blue Corn Enterprises, fine dining restaurants and 45 holes of championship golf. To showcase their tradition of hospitality, the Pueblo has
created the Santa Ana Star Casino and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort
& Spa. Starlight Lanes Bowling Alley is part of the Santa Ana Star
Casino. At Santa Ana, culture and land are one.
Photography: No photography allowed.
Admission: Free.
PO Box 580, Española, NM 87532
505-753-7326 (Tourism Office); 505-753-7330 (Governor); Fax: 505-753-8988
Santa Clara lies 22 miles northwest of Santa Fe
and is easily reached via US 84/285 and NM-30. The pueblo's Tourist
Information Office provides information on the pueblo and directions to
various arts and crafts shops. Santa Clara
is known for its highly polished black and red pottery, and its
outstanding painters and sculptors. Several dances and festivals such as
the Buffalo
and Corn Dance are open to the public. Additionally, the pueblo offers
fishing and camping in the Canyon Recreational Area. The beauty of the
pueblo's archaeological sites and the splendor of its scenery are famous
in the Southwest. Tribal operated gaming is available at Big Rock
Casino Bowl.
Hours: 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: No general access fees, but fees must be paid to visit the Puye Cliffs and for artistic pursuits.
Photo Fee: Photo fee. Certain areas of the pueblo are restricted.
Group: Puye Cliffs and Canyon closed, call Governor's office for information.
PO Box 99, Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM 87052
505-465-2214; Fax: 505-465-2688
Life in Santo Domingo
has altered little since the arrival of Europeans. Great emphasis is
placed on the pueblo's religious organization, which is the core of its
social structure, and on the passing on of its native language (Keres),
customs, dances and songs. Santo Domingo can be reached by paved road off I-25, about halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The pueblo is known for its fine heishi and turquoise, other stones and
silver, and for its strictly traditional pottery. The pueblo is open to
visitors for its Annual feast day in August.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Contact tribal office for weekend arrangements.
Photography: Cameras, camcorder and sketching are not permitted.
Groups: Call Governor's Office.
PO Box 1846, Taos, NM 87571
505-758-1028 (Tourism Office); 505-758-9593 (Governor); Fax: 505-758-4604
The Pueblo at Taos is one of New Mexico's
most authentic examples of pueblo architecture and tradition. The
pueblo's renowned multi-story apartment houses and famous church can be
reached via NM-68 north from Española, through the town of Taos.
Taos Pueblo, with Mount Wheeler--the highest mountain of New Mexico--as
its backdrop, is known for its prime scenery, farmland and hunting. Taos
is also known for the drum-making and leather work of its artisans, and
its fine dancers who are admired widely. Visitors are welcome.
Tribal-operated gaming is available at Taos Mountain Casino.
Hours: Summer 8am-4:30pm daily, Winter 8am-4pm daily.
Admission: $10 per person (adult), $8 per person (group of 3 adults or more), $5 per person (students).
Photo Fee: Still camera $5/per camera, video camera $5/per camera. No
photography allowed on feast days. Commercial photographers and/or
artists must obtain approval before photographing or using the image of
Taos Pueblo.
Groups: Advance notice required. Storyteller guides available.
RR 42, Santa Fe, NM 87506
800-483-1040 or 505-983-2667; Fax: 505-982-2331
Tesuque
Pueblo, about 10 miles north of the city of Santa Fe off US 84/285, is
thought to have been established prior to 1200 A.D. Pueblo artists
specialize in brightly colored pottery based on traditional designs, and
modeled figurines decorated with lively designs, which are widely
collected by pueblo art aficionados. The most popular Tesuque dances,
the Harvest, Deer and Buffalo, are held in winter. Gaming is available at Camel Rock Casino.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: Free.
Photography: Not allowed.
Group: Advance notice required.
135 Capital Square Dr.
Zia Pueblo, NM 87053-6013
505-867-3304
Fax: 505-867-3308
Zia
Pueblo blends into the landscape atop its rocky knoll, 18 miles
northwest of Bernalillo on NM-550, where it has been located--almost
invisibly--since 1300 A.D. The Zia sun symbol is familiar as it has been
adopted by New Mexico
as the official state insignia and appears on the state flag. The
pueblo is small, but it has produced beautiful, traditional works of
art. The Zia have long been known as creators of excellent, well-fired
pottery with artistic decorations in brown or black (often utilizing a
bird motif). Some Zia painters have achieved recognition for their fine
watercolors.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: Free
Photography:No photography, camcorders, sketching or recordings permitted.
Groups: Advance notice required.
PO Box 339, Zuni, NM 87327
505-782-4481 ext. 401 (Visitors Center); 505-782-4481 (Governor); Fax: 505-782-2700
Zuni
Pueblo, the largest of the 19 New Mexico pueblos, can be reached on
NM-602, about 32 miles southwest of Gallup in the west central part of
New Mexico. Zuni jewelry is widely acclaimed. Fashioned of turquoise,
shell and jet stone, it is set in silver in intricate patterns known as
"needlepoint" or in fine inlay patterns. The Zuni people also are known
for their fine beadwork and exquisite animal fetishes carved from
translucent shell or stone.
Hours: 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
Admission: Free.
Photo Fee: Photos, camcorders and sketching fee. Pictures are not allowed at any ceremonies.
Groups: Advance notice required.
PO Box 507, Dulce, NM 87528
505-759-3242; Fax: 505-759-3005
The Jicarilla Reservation is located 5 miles from the Colorado
border. It comprises more than 742,000 acres, with headquarters in
Dulce, 28 miles west of Chama on US-64. The reservation encompasses
beautiful mountain ranges, sagebrush flats and deep mesa canyons. The
Jicarilla Apache Reservation is highly accessible and group lodging is
available. The reservation has an arts and crafts museum featuring
basket-making demonstrations and a cultural center. Annual celebrations
include the Little Beaver Rodeo and Pow Wow that takes place the third
week in July and a two-day traditional ceremony that features dances and
relay races in September. Hunting for mule deer, elk, turkey and
waterfowl is available. Several lakes offer trout fishing and
campgrounds are available around the lakes.
Hours: 8am-5pm.
Admission: Free.
Photography: Not allowed, permission needed.
Other: A hunting permit is required from the Jicarilla Game and Fire Department.
Groups: Advance notice required.
PO Box 227, Mescalero, NM 88340
505-464-4494 (Tribal Office); Fax: 505-464-9191
The
Mescalero Apaches live on a 460,000-acre reservation in southeastern
New Mexico, between Ruidoso and Tularosa, with tribal offices at
Mescalero on US-70. The Mescalero have been leaders in recreational and
sporting enterprises, utilizing their scenic mountains, valleys and
streams well. The Inn of the Mountain Gods, located by Lake Mescalero,
has luxurious accommodations, fine dining, a beautiful golf course and
excellent shops, as well as fishing, horseback riding and other
recreation. Big game hunts for bear and elk in the fall, along with
turkey hunts in the spring, are popular events. Several campsites are
available. Mescalero-owned Ski Apache is only 40 minutes away in Lincoln National Forest.
An annual four-day ceremonial is held in early July and includes a
rodeo and various events. Tribal-operated gaming is available at Casino
Apache.
Hours: 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
Photography: Not allowed.
Groups: Allowed.
PO Box 663, Window Rock, AZ 86515
928-810-8501
www.discovernavajo.com
New Mexico Tribes:
Alamo Chapter 505-854-2686
Tohajiilee Chapter 505-836-4221
Ramah Chapter 505-775-3310
The Navajos simply call themselves "Diné"--The People. They
represent the largest American Indian group in the country. The
reservation covers over 27,000 square miles of colorful, diverse
topography expanding into the states of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Window Rock on the Arizona/New Mexico border, off US-666 northwest of Gallup,
is the Navajo capital. The Navajos are noted for their beautiful silver
and turquoise jewelry, sand paintings and skillfully crafted woven
rugs--recognized worldwide as works of art. Most New Mexican Navajos
reside in the northwest section of the state. Other groups include
Navajos at Tohajiilee, west of Albuquerque; the Alamo Navajos and Magdalena Navajos, west of Socorro; and the Ramah Navajos in western New Mexico.
New Mexico Navajos are justly proud of the Navajo Rug Auctions, the
Eastern Navajo Fair at Crownpoint and the Shiprock Navajo Fair.
2401 12th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505-843-7270
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the distinctive art, history and culture of New Mexico's
19 pueblos. The main museum is of special interest, presenting displays
that trace the development of pueblo culture. Every weekend traditional
Indian dance performances grace the central plaza at 11am and 2pm; art
demonstrations are held from 10am to 3pm. The Center also hosts special
events year-round. The gift shop offers a selection of fine pottery,
paintings, sculpture, rugs, sand paintings, kachinas, traditional and
contemporary jewelry, drums and books.