Pueblo paths trace ancient lifestyle by Hunter George, Newhouse News Service

The Pueblo people have lived in the Southwest for centuries. The culture originated in the Four Corners region of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Archaeologists have recorded five pueblo groups between A.D. 500 and 1500: the Chaco, Mesa Verde, Little Colorado, Kayenta and Rio Grande. The people who migrated to the Jemez Mountains were the Rio Grande group. Today, 19 Pueblo tribes are descended from this group.

The park’s 32,737 acres are set on the Parajito Plateau, with views of 11,000-foot mountains in the Jemez and the Sangre de Christo ranges, on either side of the Rio Grande River. There are 3 miles of public road and 70 miles of hiking trails. For $10, a carload of people can have a whole day of fun.

IF YOU GO

Bandelier National Monument is a 48-mile drive from Santa Fe. Take Hwy. 285/84 to Pojoaque, then west on New Mexico 502 and south on New Mexico 4.

The park is open year-round, but some roads and trails are closed in winter. The visitor center may be reached during business hours at 1-505-672-3861, ext. 517. The Web site is www.nps.gov/band.

From the Bandelier website:

Closures
Construction planned for the park entrance road from late summer into autumn of 2004 may involve total closure of the road during certain hours on some days, usually mid-afternoon into the evening. This may include restrictions on bus access into Frijoles Canyon after 2:00 from mid-August through mid-November. Detailed plans are not yet set, but inquire at the Visitor Center, 505-672-3861 x 517, as the work dates get closer. Planning visits for morning hours is advisable.