Santa Clara Pueblo
The Tewa-speaking pueblo of Santa Clara was established around 1550 when a drought forced their ancestors to move into the fertile Río Grande Valley. Contemporary Santa Clarans believe their ancestors first lived in the nearby Puyé Cliff Dwellings, including Top House, a ruined mesatop village built along a stunning cliff face in Santa Clara Canyon. Today, 10,658 people living on pueblo lands were counted by the Census 2000.
The pueblo's major attraction is Santa Clara Canyon, a deep, tree-lined retreat with several mountain-ringed fishing lakes, developed campsites and picnicking, all by permit. Puyé and the canyon usually are open to the public seasonally, but a recent fire in the Jemez Mountains forced the pueblo to work on reclaiming the land. Call to make sure the area is open before planning a visit, (505) 753-7326. Both guided and self-guided tours are available throughout the pueblo. Call the pueblo for more information.
Santa Clara Pueblo is also noted for its pottery, such as redware, carved blackware, melon bowls, polychrome and other artistic mediums. Wander through the village and keep an eye out for the shop signs of potters and painters. The pueblo is located about a mile (2.4 kilometers) south of Española on N.M. 30.
Santa Clara Pueblo
P.O. Box 580
Española, NM 87532
Phone: (505) 753-7326
Fax: (505) 753-8988