Known as one of the oldest great houses in New Mexico, some portions of the Una Vida ruins date as far back as the 800s, with other portions dating to 1100.

Its name, which means “one life” in Spanish, perfectly encapsulates the essence of what was likely a very tight-knit historic community. With about 160 masonry rooms, four kivas, and one or two great kivas, Una Vida was the fifth largest great house discovered in the Fajada Gap canyon.

The ruins were partially excavated by Gordon Vivian of the National Park Service in the 1950s, then later completely cleared and mapped out in 1987.

Address: Path to Una Vida, Nageezi, New Mexico 87037

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