Jemez Historic Site Celebrates Earth Day With Hikes, Pueblo Culture Activities

The Jemez Historic Site will unlock a stretch of land most visitors never get to walk on April 18, when Oak Canyon opens to the public for a guided 3.2-mile hike as part of the site's Earth Day celebration. The canyon is normally closed to visitors, making the hike one of the more unusual public access opportunities the New Mexico Historic Sites system has offered in Sandoval County.

The full event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the site's address of 18160 NM-4 in Jemez Springs, with the Oak Canyon hike departing at 10 a.m. and returning by 1 p.m. Interpretive stops along the route will cover native plants, birds and animals, with guides and tribal presenters discussing how Indigenous communities have historically used and continue to use the flora and fauna of the Jemez Mountains. Marlon Magdalena, the site's instructional coordinator supervisor, is anchoring the hike's interpretive programming.

Back at the main site, hands-on cultural activities will run through the afternoon. Pottery demonstrations, a children's archaeology dig and touch tables stocked with native plants and artifacts are designed for intergenerational participation. A traditional horno on the grounds will be used to bake Pueblo bread, connecting visitors to foodways that predate the Spanish colonial structures the site is known for preserving.

The Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites will supply free food and drinks throughout the day, including hot dogs, Frito pies and beverages.

General admission is $7 for adults. Children 16 and under get in free, along with tribal members, New Mexico disabled veterans, foster families, Museum of New Mexico Foundation members and Friends group members.

The event is organized through the New Mexico Historic Sites system in partnership with tribal communities and local volunteers, with programming deliberately designed to center Indigenous stewardship of the Jemez landscape rather than treat it as backdrop. The Oak Canyon hike is rated moderately strenuous; water and sturdy footwear are recommended. Current event information is posted on the New Mexico Historic Sites website.