Stop 3: Valle Grande

Valle Grande with patchy snow

NPS/Corey Lycopolus

The visually stunning Valle Grande was once used and frequented by multiple indigenous nations. For the Hemish and other native peoples, land ownership did not follow European conceptions of rigid lines signifying complete control. Valle Grande was a traditional pasture for Hemish horses, a hunting area, and the site for important religious activities. Hear tribal historian Chris Toya discuss the ties both ancient and present between Jemez Pueblo and Valle Grande.