サンタフェ郡の天然記念物・トップ8

You get uninterrupted views across the red earth from the packed dirt path. Here the Santa Fe Rail Trail meets the Spur Trail.

This is the start of the La Bajada Mesa switchbacks. This is one of New Mexico’s most spectacular natural landmarks. The winding trail has been used for centuries by travelers passing through the area.

One of several points to access La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site. The rock art site has thousands of petroglyphs believed to be 400 to 600 years-old.

At 12,047 feet, Tesuque Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the Sangre de Cristo Range in New Mexico. The peak reaches above treeline, and you get to share the summit with some radio and cell towers.

A paved pathway leads to a viewing platform at the northern tip, providing stunning vistas of the Rio Grande River and the picturesque White Rock Canyon. The river gracefully winds its way through the canyon, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain.

The trail passes by large panels of petroglyphs (carved pictures), that are thought to be hundreds of years old. Although their exact meaning is unknown, they are most likely not a type of written language, but rather held deep spiritual and artistic significance to ancient (and modern) indigenous people. There are many petroglyphs in this area, so be sure to take your time to try to find all of them - many of them blend in with their surroundings! Like in most archeological sites, please do not touch these ancient carvings.

The cavetes are located just below the ancient central village plaza in the cliff bands that make up the mesa. These cavates (human excavated cavities) were places where people could take shelter from the elements; the thick stone walls provided insulation from both the cold of winter and heat of summer. Talus pueblos were also most-likely constructed in front of the entrance to the cavates to further protect people from wind, rain, snow, and perhaps most importantly in the desert, heat. Please only enter cavetes that are immediately adjacent to the trail - the other cavets are dangerous to access.

The trail passes by large panels of petroglyphs (carved pictures), that are thought to be hundreds of years old. Although their exact meaning is unknown, they are most likely not a type of written language, but rather held deep spiritual and artistic significance to ancient (and modern) indigenous people. There are many petroglyphs in this area, so be sure to take your time to try to find all of them - many of them blend in with their surroundings! Like in most archeological sites, please do not touch these ancient carvings.