An Inspired Cook

Tsankawi Prehistoric Site is a separate part of Bandelier National Monument; located approximately 12 miles from Bandelier off of State Hwy 4. Tsankawi is a 1.5 mile loop that literally follows the footsteps of the ancestral Puebloans. It is believed that they first occupied the area around 1400 A.D. The trail loop is a path that has been worn into the rock as the natives traveled from the mesa tops to their farms in the canyons below. There was a village built on top of the mesa out of tuff stone and mud. It was roughly rectangular in shape, with about 350 rooms and an enclosed central courtyard. The trail leading to this area is closed at this time, however we were able to see the homes that were built along the base of the cliffs. They dug cavates out of the soft tuff stone known as talus pueblos. Taking photos from within the caves are quite beautiful; you can see the landscape and sky through the holes they created. There is definitely a door like opening with smaller holes that appear to be windows to let in light and the blue skies above. The most amazing part of the loop is the centuries old footpath that has been worn though the soft stone which look like footsteps or a smooth narrow trench. When on top of the mesa, you can see the vast landscape for miles with Los Alamos in the distance. Following the path of the native ancestors left us with a feeling of being transported in time.

The path from the parking lot leads to this area where the trail begins. There are a few places where you may need to climb or go down a ladder. Any fear of heights should be taken into account before you begin the trail. Also if there is a threat of rain, the trail can be slippery when wet.

Follow the trail that curves in front of the hilltop ahead.

Here is an example of the walking path that has been carved over many years by the ancestral Puebloans. On top you can see the footprints while the path that leads you is the smooth trench around the soft tuff stone.

Here are some other parts of the trail that clearly shows footprints in the rock as well as the carved out path.

The view from above. Los Alamos is just on the other side of the mesa.

The path is visible from above as well.

Here are some of the cavates that the Puebloans carved out for their homes. The top right photo shows the distinct footprints leading up and around the cavates where they traveled back and forth. The bottom left photo shows how deep the footprints are carved into stone.

Imagine what the ancient Puebloans might have viewed from their cavate window.

We even spotted a few petroglyphs among the lichen covered rock.

I hope you enjoyed following along the path of the ancestral Puebloans?