Very interesting and the couple people we spoke to were very friendly. Filming was done there back in the fifties. Very quiet and very well hidden.

We visited here on a Saturday afternoon. After paying and conversing with the man at the visitors center, we crossed the road to the Pueblo. The buildings are mostly one story, centered around the open yard. We were surprised that we were the only visitors there. We visited a potter and enjoyed talking with him. We bought one of his black pots

I was coming from Bandelier National Monument, so took the (first) labelled turn off the highway instead of just following the GPS. This took me on a dirt road through the back part of the pueblo to the museum to pay for a visitor and camera pass. The museum is small, but they were friendly and I got a map of places one could visit (and NOT) as well as homes that were open where artists were selling their (and others') work. The museum also had a great display explaining how the traditional pottery is created. As a private village, there isn't a ton to see, but you can see the outside of the church and kiva, as well as other dwellings. There was one house that had partially collapsed, which actually offered a great way to see how the homes are constructed. I visited two artists and they were happy to share about their work, the process of making the unique black-on-black designs, and the meaning of the different symbols represented in their art. Most of the art was all local, but some came from nearby artists as well. While I am sure they welcome (prefer?) cash, I didn't have much on me and they were able to accept credit cards. I had a short visit, but it was nice to see the living experience of the pueblo people after visiting the archaeological site of those that had come before. Be sure to check online about dates you can or can not visit. For example, the day after I visited was a saint's day, and I don't know if I would have been able to visit that day while their celebrations were happening.

Visiting a Pueblo is a humbling experience. One much approach these experiences with an open heart and understanding of cultural reciprocity. When I entered this community it felt important to me to honor the spaces of the people. It’s not a space to come and only be “ entertained “ by people. It felt like a genuine opportunity to learn and be present. The need to take photos and collect from the space seemed less important to me. I truly respected the opportunity to be in the moment. There’s a sense of quiet and completely honoring which made this visit less like other Pueblos. I suggest you read ahead of arriving and learn what you can about the people, and the land. Come ready to be still and present. Enjoy the fantastic drive among the mesa and junipers.

TheSan Ildefonso Pueblo is one of minor pueblos outside of Los Alamos. The Pueblos in general have been hard hit by Covid both with their community getting I’ll and closures taking away artisans livelihood. You can only enter if masked and proof of vaccination. Call in advance since many of the pueblos are not open or open sporadically. We were met by a gracious host at the visitor center, provided a map, offered restrooms and fresh water. This is known for black on black pottery and is the home of Maria Martinez pottery. Her family still lives at this Pueblo and works out the Sun beam Gallery. Unfortunately, the gallery was closed while we’re there. You are essentially visiting people’s homes. We did meet a 4th generation potter Elvis “Tsee-Pin” Tortes who had one small bowl we purchased and showed us a sample bowl he was working on before it was fired. The architecture of Pueblo is classic southwestern adobe and wood. We also visited with 2 young girls on their porch and bought a colorful bowl. If you are looking for large Pueblo San Ildefonso is not the right place. If you are interested in Native American culture and black on black pottery you will be greeted warmly and see some lovely pottery.