A red rock slot canyon experience does not require a journey to Las Cruces or even Utah. Less than 50 miles from Albuquerque, the Jemez Pueblo’s Walatowa Red Rock Trails are open to all with a permit or on a guided tour.
Purchase a permit at the Walatowa Visitor Center. It’s located past the tribal gas station, the last place to purchase fuel as you head for a high-altitude, pine-tree filled Jemez Mountain escape along New Mexico 4.
A guided tour turns a beautiful hike into a fascinating history lesson and introduction to Jemez Pueblo, its unique Towa language and culture.
Walatowa, the main village the Pueblo has called home for hundreds of years, translates to “this is the place,” according to information supplied by the tribe. The people of Jemez are tied to the land, said trail guide Alex Toledo, but are willing to share this scenery with those who follow some simple rules and respect the towering red cliffs.
Many times I’ve zipped past this stop heading to the high country with dogs and children in tow — or only made a quick stop at the convenience store for gas or snacks or at one of the booths where families sell treats and jewelry.
As many as 30,000 Jemez people once lived in villages scattered through the area, Toledo said. He said you can learn of their history at the visitor center’s free museum.
The Red Rocks Trails are among the hidden treasures of Sandoval County, a county with bountiful scenery and historic sites including Bandelier National Monument, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve, all close enough for a day trip from Albuquerque.