Burnet Cave, Archaeological site in Eddy County, New Mexico.
Burnet Cave is an archaeological site in the Guadalupe Mountains that sits roughly 21 meters above the canyon floor at an elevation of about 1,400 meters. The site contains multiple layers of deposits from different periods of human occupation, making it valuable for understanding settlement patterns.
Excavations from 1930 to 1937 revealed the site's importance as a multi-layered settlement. The discovery of the first recognized Clovis point in August 1931 marked a turning point in understanding how early peoples lived in North America.
The cave served as a burial place for Basketmaker peoples, and the cremated remains found inside reveal how important this shelter was as both a sacred and practical space for early communities. The artifacts discovered there show the daily practices and beliefs of these inhabitants.
The site is located in the mountains and requires some preparation for a visit. The elevation and remote location make it important to arrive well-equipped for hiking and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Alongside the first recognized Clovis point, researchers found burnt bones of bison and musk-ox, revealing the hunting practices of ancient peoples. This combination of stone tools and animal remains offers a rare window into daily survival strategies from thousands of years ago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
