New Mexico - Bandelier National Monument

45mi/72km WNW of Santa Fe, in the volcanic Jemez Mountains, is the wild and romantic Frijoles Canyon, whose principal feature of interest is the Bandelier National Monument. This area, once occupied by Pueblo Indians, was explored by the Swiss-American anthropologist A. F. Bandelier (1840-1914). Between the 13th and 16th centuries the Indians had hewn cave dwellings and cult sites (kivas) out of the easily workable tufa and built multi-story dwellings, known as talus, against the rock faces. A short distance to the northwest are remains of the pueblo of Tynony, with some 400 rooms and three kivas. In the surrounding area, in country which is difficult of access, are remains of other Indian dwellings and cult sites.