Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

April 22, 2018

There is evidence of Ancestral Pueblo people who settled in Frijoles Canyon over 10,000 years ago. Volcanos more than a million years ago ejected enough material to cover 400 square miles with a layer of volcanic ash up to 1000′ thick (500 times more powerful than the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens). The volcanic ash compacted over time into a soft crumbly rock they call tuff. Tuff easily erodes by the action of wind and rain and overtime took on the appearance of “swiss cheese”. The Pueblos used tools to enlarge the small natural openings to make their dwellings.

This underground kiva was an important part of the ceremonial culture. It was used for religious activities, education and decision making. The kivas would have had covers and I imagine climbing down the ladder into a dark room with flickering torches and people sitting on the floor. This was a special place, the communities heart and center.

From inside the cavattes (cave rooms)

The ruins of the village in the distance and up close

The quiet air brings the murmur of the creek to your ears. The song of this canyon is still present making you connect to the collective unconscious of these ancestral people.

After this incredible hike we found our way back to our campsite and enjoyed yet another evening under the stars.