Sandia Cave

Sandia Cave is an archaeological site and show cave located on a steep cliff wall in Las Huertas Canyon, reached by metal stairs with protective caging at the entrance. The cave opens into chambers where excavations have revealed archaeological remains from different periods of human habitation.

The site was systematically explored starting in 1934, with findings suggesting humans lived here over thousands of years. These discoveries shifted understanding about when the first people arrived in North America.

The cave displays evidence of human use spanning multiple periods, and visitors can observe how early inhabitants returned to this location repeatedly over centuries. The artifacts scattered throughout suggest people used this shelter for regular activities and seasonal stays.

The visit involves a short half-mile walk on a marked trail starting from the highway, making it accessible to most people. The cooler months offer better conditions for exploring, as the area can become quite warm during summer.

The cave is known for a distinctive spear point found here that sparked debates about when people first arrived on the North American continent. This artifact was long considered among the oldest archaeological evidence on the continent.