Just one-half hour from Red River at 120 Veterans Highway, off of the road into Taos, is a must-see landmark: The Taos Pueblo. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark, the multi-storied adobe buildings have been occupied for over 1000 years! About 150 people live in the pueblo itself, with around 1900 tribe members living in more modern homes outside the old walls, but still on Taos Pueblo land.
While usually open to the public, the Pueblo is a real community and not a theme park, although there is a fee to enter. When visiting, please be respectful of the people who live there and their way of life and do not enter restricted areas or wade in the river which is the sole source of their drinking water. Except for about 10 weeks in late winter to early spring when the pueblo is closed for tribal rituals, the hours are:
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.
Pueblo shops are open daily, but make sure the shop is clearly marked as such and is not a residence. There is a fee for taking photographs and permission should be asked before photographing residents. Absolutely no photos are allowed in San Geronimo Chapel or at the many ceremonial dances throughout the year that are open to the public.
For more information go to www.taospueblo.com. (Photo courtesy Marti White Deer Song)