Santa Clara New MexicoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Santa Clara, New Mexico.
1. Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark
HISTORIC MILITARY SITE
Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark is a well-preserved military outpost that showcases New Mexico's frontier history. Visitors can explore historic buildings and learn about the Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed at this significant 19th-century fort. The site offers informative tours that bring to life the military, medical, and cultural significance of this historic landmark.
2. Puye Cliff Dwellings
ANCIENT PUEBLO RUINS
Puye Cliff Dwellings features remarkable cliff and cave dwellings that showcase early Pueblo architecture and indigenous heritage. Open year-round except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this cultural attraction offers guided tours that begin at 8:30 am and run every 30-45 minutes. Visitors can experience the spiritual significance of this special place situated between earth and sky while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the valley.
3. Black Mesa Golf Course
ACCLAIMED GOLF EXPERIENCE
Black Mesa Golf Course has received national acclaim for its challenging play and stunning desert landscape setting. Located at 115 N.M. 339 in La Mesilla, the course is operated by Santa Clara Pueblo. Golfers can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings while testing their skills on this highly-rated course.
4. Santa Claran Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Santa Claran Casino offers a vibrant gaming experience operated by the Santa Clara Pueblo. The casino features a variety of slot machines, table games, and entertainment options for visitors. Located in Española, it serves as both a recreational destination and an economic driver for the Pueblo community.
5. Big Rock Bowl
FAMILY BOWLING CENTER
Big Rock Bowl provides a family-friendly bowling experience in the city of Española. The facility offers modern lanes, arcade games, and food service for a complete entertainment package. Operated by Santa Clara Pueblo, this venue serves as a popular recreational spot for locals and visitors alike.
6. Bandelier National Monument
ANCIENT CULTURAL PRESERVE
Bandelier National Monument was designated in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson to preserve the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans. The monument features remarkable cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and masonry pueblo structures set in a beautiful canyon landscape. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that lead to archaeological sites and natural features throughout the protected area.
7. Alcove House
ANCIENT CLIFF DWELLING
Alcove House is an impressive ancient dwelling located 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon within Bandelier National Monument. This remarkable archaeological site once housed 25 Ancestral Pueblo people and showcases their ingenious building techniques. Visitors can access this preserved dwelling via a series of wooden ladders, making it both an adventure and a journey into the past.
8. Spence Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL POOLS
Spence Hot Springs offers natural thermal pools accessible via a half-mile hike from a small parking area located 5 miles north of Jemez Ranger District Office. The trail includes some rocky terrain but rewards hikers with relaxing hot spring pools nestled in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the surrounding Jemez Mountains.
9. Jemez National Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Jemez National Recreation Area encompasses stunning red rock formations, forests, and mountain landscapes in the Santa Clara Mountains region. The area offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of northern New Mexico while exploring trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and geological features.
10. Santa Clara Pueblo Feast Days
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Santa Clara Pueblo Feast Days feature traditional dances and community festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Pueblo people. June celebrations include St. Anthony's Feast Day with Comanche Dances, while August features Harvest Dances and Corn Dances performed in honor of St. Clare, the patron saint. These special events offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness authentic Native American traditions and ceremonies when open to the public.
11. Bandelier Wilderness
PRISTINE BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Bandelier Wilderness offers a pristine backcountry experience adjacent to the more developed areas of Bandelier National Monument. This designated wilderness area features rugged canyons, mesa tops, and forested mountains that provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Hikers and backpackers can explore remote trails that lead to hidden archaeological sites and spectacular viewpoints far from the crowds.
12. Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery
TRADITIONAL CERAMIC ARTS
Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery represents one of the most renowned Native American ceramic traditions in the Southwest. The distinctive black and red polished pottery features deep carving techniques and intricate designs passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Visitors can purchase authentic pieces directly from Pueblo artists when visiting the community with proper permissions.
13. Española Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD AND CRAFTS
Española Farmers Market showcases the agricultural bounty and artisanal products of northern New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley. Local farmers, food producers, and craftspeople gather to sell fresh produce, prepared foods, and handmade items reflecting the region's distinctive cultural blend. The market serves as a community gathering place where visitors can experience the authentic flavors and traditions of northern New Mexico.
14. El Paragua Restaurant
CLASSIC NORTHERN NEW MEXICAN CUISINE
El Paragua Restaurant offers authentic northern New Mexican cuisine in a historic setting that began as a food stand operated by the Atencio family. The restaurant serves traditional dishes featuring local chile varieties and time-honored recipes that have attracted diners for generations. Its charming atmosphere includes adobe architecture and traditional decorative elements that enhance the cultural dining experience.
15. Taos Pueblo
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Taos Pueblo is an ancient multi-story adobe community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these remarkable structures represent one of the most significant and best-preserved Native American communities in North America. Visitors can tour the pueblo with guides who share insights about the culture, history, and ongoing traditions of the Taos Pueblo people.