Jemez Historic Site
Jemez Springs, NM
The ruins of the 17th-century San José de los Jemez mission church and the pueblo of Giusewa. A short trail passes through both; closed on some weekdays.
The Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, preserves the ruins of Giusewa Pueblo and the Mission San José de los Jémez. The village of Giusewa was established around 1350 among the hot springs of the Jemez Valley; it was a multistory village that may have had as many as 1,000 rooms.
The Spanish first visited the region in 1541, and Franciscan missionaries arrived in 1598 to convert the Jemez people. By 1621 the Mission San José de los Jémez had been built in the Western Baroque style with stone walls about 8 feet (2.4 meters) thick. The missionary effort later failed. On August 10, 1680, the Jemez joined the Pueblo Revolt, which drove the Spanish out of northern New Mexico for twelve years.
An interpretive trail winds through the site, and the visitor center has an exhibition on Jemez history and culture told in the Jemez people's own words. Lodging and food are available in Jemez Springs. Check opening days and admission with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs in advance.
- Nearest town
- Jemez Springs, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.7780, -106.6870
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Earino · CC BY-SA 3.0Soda Dam
© Craig Martin https://www.inaturalist.org/people/craigmartin · CC0Valles Caldera National Preserve
© Tom Cunningham · CC BY-SA 4.0Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
© Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA · CC BY 2.0Bandelier National Monument
Campsites nearby
- Vista Linda CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Jemez Historic Site
- Jemez Falls CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Jemez Historic Site
- Banco Bonito Campground (Special Use Permit Required)Campsite6 mi from Jemez Historic Site
- Paliza Family Campground (N)Campsite6 mi from Jemez Historic Site
- Rio De Las Vacas CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Jemez Historic SiteTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Los Pinos Trailer ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Jemez Historic SiteMotorhomes
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jemez Historic Site?
Jemez Historic Site is in Jemez Springs, NM, at GPS 35.7780, -106.6870. It is about 23 mi from Los Alamos.
Can you camp near Jemez Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Vista Linda Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Jemez Historic Site?
Jemez Historic Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jemez Mountain Trail: Bandelier, Valles Caldera and Jemez Springs.
What is there to see near Jemez Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Soda Dam (1 mi), Valles Caldera National Preserve (12 mi), Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (17 mi) and Bandelier National Monument (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jemez Historic Site?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)