Timeline
15:50
Pick up a snack or drink for the climb. Since there are no food or drink shops listed nearby, bring your own supplies. The site is sometimes closed, so check the website ahead of time to ensure it is open for tours.
16:20
Arrive at Puye Cliff Dwellings. The guided tours are offered on the hour. If you arrive just before a tour starts, you can join the group. Note that the cliff dwelling tour involves climbing some ladders and somewhat strenuous walking.
16:35
Watch the golden light hit the ancient village ruins atop the mesa and the cave dwellings cut into the cliff face. The sun is setting toward the WSW, illuminating the valley below.
Local tip
The site is located on the Santa Clara Pueblo reservation, a few miles south of Española. Access is by guided tour only. The 1-hour tour costs $20 for adults, while the 2-hour tour is $35. Seniors and children receive a slight discount. Opening hours are 8:30AM-3PM from October to April and 8:30AM-6PM from April to September.
Check before you go
- Check the website ahead of time as the site is sometimes closed.
- Ensure you are prepared for somewhat strenuous walking and ladder climbing during the tour.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Española (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).