The early bird gets the shade in New Mexico at Bandelier National Monument. Judy and I are out the door at 7:15 am to drive to a national park treasure protecting the Pueblo Native American cave dwellings and petroglyphs located on the Pajarito Plateau. Another must see in this area.

It is only an hour and 15 minute drive from downtown Santa Fe and is located just north of Los Alamos and other historical place to visit.

The road into the Frijoles Canyon winds downward with beautiful views.

Once in the park, there is a 1.5 mile loop that takes you across the valley where there are building ruins and then up to the cave dwellings and petroglyphs via a path. It is amazing to see where the Pueblo people lived and learn about their lives in this area starting as early as 1150 CE. Inside the visitor centers is an exhibit providing information. There are also other trails that you can hike if you are more adventurous. We are taking the easy path.

The last time I was here was in 2019. The path to the cave dwellings was not a sidewalk but rather a dirt trail. The sidewalk allows more people to get further into the park. Still, to climb up the dwellings, you must take stairs up and down. Again, this is such an interesting place to learn about the Pueblo’s life of the region.

The loop trail takes you back through the forest and along the creek which is completely dry right now. When there is a flash flood, it is quite devastating. The Alcove House is in an area affected by flooding and not available to tour anymore.

A drive back to Santa Fe for some lunch at The Shed. This restaurant is located just off the plaza in one of the older buildings in Santa Fe. They have the best Northern New Mexico food. There is usually a wait but well worth it. My tamale and Santa Fhazy IPA beer were perfect!

Next door is the famous address of 109 Palace Avenue. A plaque is located at the back of the courtyard selling New Mexico trinkets. The history in Santa Fe is rich even from the 1940’s.

Shirley heads back to the hotel and Judy and I walk over to the New Mexico Museum of Art (on the National Register of Historic Places), one of nine museums you can visit in Santa Fe. This museum has the 20th century artwork upstairs and downstairs are rotating exhibits. Today, there is an exhibit with the works of Eugenie Shonnard, a New York artist who came to Santa Fe in 1925 and had a studio in the museum. Here is a sampling of her art.

The next artist on display is Gustavo Baumann. He was a German artist who moved to Chicago and then to Santa Fe in 1918 when the artist community began to grow. He also had a studio in the museum for a year. He is known for his woodblock prints. Over the decades he began to paint, sculpt, build furniture, and carve marionettes. He performed puppet shows for the community. Incredibly talented!

Upstairs is the art is familiar and iconic of this region.

There is also a sculpture garden and a courtyard with beautiful artwork.

This is a wonderful museum where you can easily spend an hour or two.

A storm is coming and the evening brings rain. We relax in the hotel.

Santa Fe is rich with history and art. You can spend months here!