The Tewa-speaking pueblo of Santa Clara was established around 1550 when a drought forced their ancestors to move into the fertile Río Grande Valley. Contemporary Santa Clarans believe their ancestors first lived in the nearby Puyé Cliff Dwellings, including Top House, a ruined mesatop village built along a stunning cliff face in Santa Clara Canyon. Today, 10,658 people living on pueblo lands were counted by the Census 2000.

The pueblo's major attraction is Santa Clara Canyon, a deep, tree-lined retreat with several mountain-ringed fishing lakes, developed campsites and picnicking. With the proper permit, visitors can camp, fish or picnic in the canyon. There are both guided and self-guided tours through the cliff dwellings.

Southwest Tribal Fisheries Commission  •  P.O. Box 190  Mescalero, New Mexico  88340  •  (575) 464-8768