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Casamero Pueblo

Prewitt, New Mexico · McKinley County

Casamero Pueblo is small Chacoan Outlier located against the majestic backdrop of the brilliant red sandstone cliffs of Tecolote (Owl) Mesa. Look for the large "owl's eyes" that give the mesa its name. The pueblo contains 22 ground floor rooms and may have had six second-story rooms. It was occupied between A.D. 1000 a…

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35.42502, -108.05226
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About Casamero Pueblo

Casamero Pueblo is small Chacoan Outlier located against the majestic backdrop of the brilliant red sandstone cliffs of Tecolote (Owl) Mesa. Look for the large "owl's eyes" that give the mesa its name. The pueblo contains 22 ground floor rooms and may have had six second-story rooms. It was occupied between A.D. 1000 and 1125 and is an excellent example of a Chacoan Outlier, with characteristic core-veneer masonry, an associated Great Kiva, and two Chacoan roads. A collection of 37 known sites is associated with Casamero and includes numerous small masonry habitation structures. A Chacoan road connects Casamero to the nearby outlier of Andrews Ranch. Foods grown and pottery produced in the Casamero community may have been traded to other outliers and to Chaco Canyon itself. Casamero was excavated between 1966 and 1967 and has since been completely stabilized so that the Chacoan masonry and the site layout are clearly visible to the public. Interpretive signs have been placed around the ruin.

How to Get There

To reach Casamero Pueblo, take the Prewitt exit from Interstate 40, 19 miles west of Grants or 40 miles east of Gallup, NM. From the exit, go a few hundred feet north to the frontage road. Head east on the frontage road (Old Route 66/NM 122) for about 1/2 mile, then north on County Road 19, and continue 4 miles to a small parking area with a BLM sign on the left. A short foot trail leads to the ruins.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Casamero Pueblo

Heading to Casamero Pueblo? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Casamero Pueblo?

No central reservation system listed for Casamero Pueblo. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14628) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Casamero Pueblo?

To reach Casamero Pueblo, take the Prewitt exit from Interstate 40, 19 miles west of Grants or 40 miles east of Gallup, NM. From the exit, go a few hundred feet north to the frontage road. Head east on the frontage road (Old Route 66/NM 122) for about 1/2 mile, then north on County Road 19, and continue 4 miles to a small parking area with a BLM sign on the left. A short foot trail leads to the ru…

How do I contact Casamero Pueblo?

You can reach the park at phone: 505-761-8700.