Tijeras Canyon

Tijeras Canyon is a natural passage between the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges in central New Mexico. The canyon stretches across elevations roughly between 5,600 and 7,000 feet and creates a direct connection between the eastern high desert and the Rio Grande Valley.

The canyon served as a crucial passage for Native American peoples, Spanish explorers, and American settlers over many centuries. This route facilitated movement and exchange between distant settlement areas and remained important throughout different periods of occupation.

The area has long served as a crossroads where different groups left their mark on the landscape. Archaeological remains visible in the region tell the story of people who lived here and used the canyon as an important passage for centuries.

Interstate 40 provides direct highway access to the canyon with several parking areas along the way for visitors. From these spots, you can explore different hiking trails and watch for wildlife throughout the area.

The name comes from the Spanish word 'Tijeras', meaning scissors, because the Tijeras and Cedro canyons meet in a scissor-like pattern when viewed from above. This distinctive geographic shape gave the place its name and makes its location on a map easily recognizable.