Jemez Historic Site

Jemez Historic Site is located approximately one mile north of Jemez Springs, NM. The Giusewa Pueblo was established on this site in about AD 1450 and is the ancestral home of the Jemez Pueblo Native Americans who now live primarily in Jemez Pueblo, a community 13 miles south of the ruins. The first records of this area were made by Spanish conquistadors and Franciscan friars in about 1581. They attempted to convert the Native Americans by ordering the construction of a very large church, made of adobe, limestone, volcanic rocks, and native trees. Using dendrochronology methods, the church construction was dated in 1621-1623. The church and related buildings were abandoned in 1680 during the Pueblo “Revolt”, when the Spanish occupiers were driven out of this region.

Today, the ruins are partially stabilized to prevent further erosion. A walking trail and interpretive signs explain the history and construction methods. The kiva (underground ceremonial/spiritual chamber) is open to the public; photography is prohibited inside the kiva.

Such an incredible, breathtaking place. This is my 3rd time visiting. Take a map, you’ll learn so much. You can almost visualize it. You can definitely submerge yourself in the culture.

We had a delightful visit here. They happened to be having an interactive leather demonstration and we enjoyed hand-stamping a bracelet and talking with the experts. The site has a beautifully maintained path through the ruins and descriptive signs. The church and live were amazing examples of craftsmanship.

The ancient ruins are so well maintained, and the people who work there are so informative. This is a must stop.

We preferred this site over the Salinas ones.
Got to climb down ladders into a kiva.
The video at the visitor center was interesting.

Such a great place, especially during the Christmas "Lights of Guiswawa" event! You must check it out!

We took a drive in the area while camping near Santa Fe. It was unknown to us but we stopped in. The display in the museum was enlightening about the story of the Jemez people and their interactions with the Spanish. The inlaid floor is a work of art.
The walk through the historic site was smooth and informative. The brochure and plaques had similar information but added a great deal to my understanding. The remaining structures are so old but it's ready to imagine life here in the 1600's.
The entry fee was very reasonable.

Really neat low traffic ruins. The ability to enter a fully restored and enclosed Kiva (ancient underground party room!) was really neat, especially for kids. Also dog friendly!! What a nice stop, do not miss out

Absolutely beautiful. So many people at the event but it was great. Loved that the handicap parking was right across the street. Everyone was super nice. The craft show was great. Found some unique hand made gifts. I do wish they had a lot more food and craft vendors. See you next year.

There is so much to Jemez Mountains, it has the most beautiful landscaping and scenery. The red rocks are gorgeous. The food on the road side stands, is so yummy! You can explorer and hike. The Jemez Historic site blew me away, it was like a huge maze. Inside the office the map they hand out to you, is painted on the floor where they show you videos of it's history. There is one glass cabinet that you are not allowed to picture. The pottery in it is truly amazing. I have so many pictures of each opening wish I could share all of them. You can go inside them but they do warn not to climb the walls. We did go up the stars in the church, it is allowed and there also is a maze of itself. The pic where my son is climbing up on the latter, you can not take pics inside that hole but they do let you climb down in it. I believe it's called the Kiva.

Beautiful historic site with a kiva that visitors are allowed to enter. The church is awesome in its size and when you think of how much work it took to construct.

This was a gem and a pleasure to visit. We enjoyed the history and the structures. Amazing place.

A great place to stop and visit. The snow added another layer of coolness. The people working there were very nice and courteous. Definitely stop by if you’re in Jemez.

Went yesterday, Sunday. We got there early and for a while we were the only visitors. Very beautiful, serene place to photograph or just listen to the wind.

Never new about this site just turned off of 550 to see what it was all about and spent over 6 hours exploring.

Totally worth the price of admission. A nice walk through well preserved ruins. Self guded tour with good info if you borrow the pamphlet from the Ranger/attendant. Definitely worth the stop.

This place is so sacred, so holy. It was a last minute idea to come see this place and I'm so glad that we did. The ruins are stunning and the info on the path really helped share the story between the Spanish and the Native Americans.

One of my favorite places in the United States. There are Hot Springs and indigenous historic sites to tread lightly on. This place is magnificently beautiful and worth the back road drive from Albuquerque to Santa Fe or vice versa. Do it!

It is a great place to visit. See the history of the indigenous people of Jemez.

My favorite part about this site was the video playing in the museum. The commentary was in Towa (Jemez language) with English subtitles.
I'm an avid linguistics fan and was thrilled to hear Towa spoken for the first time!