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White Rock, New Mexico: Prehistoric Ruins Just off the Highway

Explore ancient pueblo, then drive to pizzeria just down the road. The footpaths here were so prehistorically popular that they've been worn into channels in the rock.

Tsankawi Prehistoric Site

Address:
Hwy 4, White Rock, NM
Directions:
Tsankawi Prehistoric Site. From White Rock, drive north three miles on Hwy 4. Parking area and entrance is on the northbound side of Hwy 4, just north of its intersection with E. Jemez Rd.
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Prehistoric Ruins Just off the Highway

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Prehistoric Ruins Just off the Highway

One of the greatest hikes we've done in our time in Santa Fe. There is some scrambling, and if you're scared of heights you'll have a little rush -- not too bad, though.

[Perpetual Tourist, 09/17/2021]
Prehistoric Ruins Just off the Highway

Not as busy as the principal cliff dwellings at Bandelier but just as remarkable, with big views from the self-guided tour along the cliff walls.

[DH Stephens, 08/10/2021]

Foot-worn path.

Tsankawi Prehistoric Site

This prehistoric site, which is a detached part of Bandelier National Monument, has a 1.5 mile self-guided loop trail. The trail is very unusual in that it has been worn deeply in the soft tuff in places. There are ladders to the top of the mesa and back to below the ridge, and several caves, unexcavated ruins, and petroglyphs along the way.

[Jim Walker, 08/23/2015]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Los Alamos: Oppenheimer TownLos Alamos: Oppenheimer Town, Los Alamos, NM - 5 mi.
Camel RockCamel Rock, Santa Fe, NM - 14 mi.
Hand Mail BoxHand Mail Box, Santa Fe, NM - 19 mi.
In the region:
Folk Art All Mixed Together, Santa Fe, NM - 21 mi.

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