Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area

This sprawling protected area in Northern New Mexico highlights a unique landscape which has been inhabited by the Puebloan people since the early pre-Columbian era. Including areas around the cities of Santa Fe and Taos, as well as the Jicarilla Apache reservation, the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area is more of a region than a park, and inside it are fascinating historic and cultural sites.

Among the top attractions in the heritage area are Spanish colonial sites – Hispanic colonists from Mexico arrived beginning in 1590. Walk the streets around the historic core of Santa Fe, which ooze history and are lined with cafes and galleries. Nearby Ranchos de Taos is a unique historic site which has been inhabited for centuries. In all, there are 16 national historic landmarks and 270 listed historic properties in the park, including many which date from before statehood and are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Incredible natural landscapes protected in the heritage area include wide-open and wildlife-filled vistas of Valles Caldera National Preserve and the unique sites protected within Bandelier National Monument. Whether your passion is history or geography, the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area has something for you.