Place guide
Jemez Pueblo
The only Towa-speaking pueblo set in the scenic Jemez Mountains known for its distinctive red pottery.
📍GPS: 35.613806, -106.726973
Jemez Pueblo (Walatowa - this is the place)
Jemez Pueblo, traditionally known as Walatowa, sits at the southern end of the Jemez Mountains among some of New Mexico’s most striking red rock scenery. The Pueblo remains the strongest centers of the Towa language, which is still spoken by the large majority of community members.
The Pueblo itself follows a closed village policy, so visitors should not drive or wander through residential areas. Instead, the Walatowa Visitor Center and nearby Red Rocks Trails provide public places to learn about Jemez history, culture, art, and the surrounding landscape.
Walatowa Visitor Center
The Walatowa Visitor Center is the main public visitor destination at Jemez Pueblo. Its free history museum presents Jemez history and Towa culture from the Pueblo’s perspective, with exhibits on ancestral lands, traditional tools, pottery, and modern life. The center also includes a gift shop featuring pottery, jewelry, art, and other work from Native artists.
Walatowa Red Rocks
The bright red sandstone cliffs at the entrance to Jemez Pueblo are one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Jemez Mountains. Visitors can explore them on the 1.5-mile Red Rocks Trail, which passes through red sandstone terrain and a narrow slot canyon. A hiking permit is required and can be purchased at the Walatowa Visitor Center. Photography on the trail is permitted with the hiking permit.
Feast Days & Public Ceremonies
Some events may be open to visitors, while others are private, restricted to community members, or closed without notice. Access, schedules, and photography rules can change, so visitors should confirm directly with the Pueblo before attending.
- August 2 — Pecos Feast of St. Persingula
- November 12 — San Diego Feast Day
- December 24–28 — Christmas Dances (times and locations vary)
Visiting Respectfully
New Mexico’s pueblos are living communities, not museums. They are sovereign tribal nations with their own governments, laws, and traditions. When visiting, remember that you are a guest on tribal land.
- Obey all posted signs and respect areas marked as private or off-limits.
- Do not photograph people, homes, religious activities, or ceremonies without permission.
- During dances and ceremonies, remain quiet and avoid crossing ceremonial areas.
- Do not remove pottery shards, artifacts, plants, or other objects from pueblo lands (you will be cursed).
- Observe all posted speed limits and traffic laws. Going 5 mph over can get you a ticket.
Explore More Tribal Communities
Want to visit more of New Mexico’s pueblos and tribal lands? See our ranking of the best tribes and pueblos to visit in New Mexico, based on public access, cultural attractions, recreation, lodging, and other visitor amenities.
Nearby places
Walatowa Slot Canyon
A beautiful red rock slot canyon from the Walatowa Visitor Center.
Zia Pueblo
A small Keresan pueblo whose sun symbol was adopted as the central emblem of the New Mexico state flag.
Jemez Springs
A tiny mountain village known for hot springs, red-rock scenery, and easy access to the Jemez Mountains.