Our Pueblo
History
Coronado arrived in 1540, as did Juan de Oñate in 1598, who made their claims. In 1689 the Spanish government recognized the sovereignty of the pueblos through land grants, and gift of the canes of power.
When Mexico won independence from Spain, San Felipe Pueblo became part of Mexico from 1821- 1848. In 1848 under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, San Felipe and New Mexico became part of the United States of America as a territory. The United States Congress upheld the Pueblo’s Spanish Land Grant in 1858 and the land was patented to the Pueblo of San Felipe by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. President Lincoln also gave the Pueblo’s Governor another silver tipped cane.
San Felipe Pueblo is between New Mexico’s capitol city of Santa Fe, and Albuquerque, its largest city. The Pueblo of San Felipe consists of approximately 4,054 enrolled tribal members and approximately 68,000 acres.
Visiting the Pueblo
The Pueblo of San Felipe welcomes visitors to its Annual Feast Day held May 1st of each year. All visitors must park at the Black Mesa Casino and take the Shuttle into the village. Please remember this cultural event should be enjoyed in a respectful manner, and no picture taking, cell phone use, drugs or alcohol are permitted.
Throughout the rest of the year, we ask that all visitors and vendors check in at the Tribal Administration office to request an access permit. Access permits may not always be granted. We want visitors to have an enjoyable experience so please, take a minute to read the welcome signs that are posted at all entrances and adhere to the rules:
- Picture taking, videos, sketches, drawings of any kind are not permitted within the Pueblo’s boundaries.
- Shooting, hunting, drone use, recreation, trapping and fishing are not allowed on the Pueblo’s lands.
- Public areas on the Pueblo include the Black Mesa Travel Center and Casino. Access to other areas is not permitted without permission.
- Bicycling on the Pueblo is not encouraged. We ask bicyclists to find other welcoming areas off-Pueblo to recreate. There are free roaming dogs on the Pueblo, and bicycling is at your own risk. A permit is required for any access to the Pueblo.
Pueblo Navigation
The Pueblo of San Felipe is a living community, rich in culture and tradition. While much of the Pueblo is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore designated areas such as the Black Mesa Casino, Black Mesa Travel Center, and Black Mesa Pueblo Restaurant. Please observe all posted signs and note that access to residential and ceremonial areas requires permission. For cultural events like the May 1st Feast Day, parking is located at Black Mesa Casino with a shuttle service provided to the village.
Visitor Etiquette
We are honored to share our traditions with guests, and we ask that all visitors approach their time here with care and respect. Photography, videography, sketching, and cell phone use are strictly prohibited within the Pueblo boundaries. Additionally, the use of drones, firearms, drugs, alcohol, and recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, or bicycling are not permitted. Please adhere to posted rules and respect the privacy of our community. Your courtesy ensures our ability to continue welcoming guests in the future.
Access Permitting
Outside of designated public areas, all access to San Felipe Pueblo lands requires an official permit. Visitors and vendors must check in at the Tribal Administration Office to request access. Please be aware that permits are not guaranteed and may be denied for any reason, particularly during times of private ceremony or restricted cultural observance. We recommend calling the Governor’s Office at +1 505-867-3381 in advance of any planned visit to confirm guidelines and availability.
Map for Visitors
To help orient yourself to the public spaces of San Felipe Pueblo, including the Black Mesa Casino, Travel Center, and shuttle stops for ceremonial events, we’ve provided a downloadable Visitor Map. This guide ensures you stay within permitted areas while enjoying your time with us.
Map of San Felipe Boundary
Understanding the boundaries of San Felipe Pueblo is an important part of planning your visit responsibly. This map outlines the lands held in trust for the Pueblo and clarifies which areas are restricted to the public.
Tribal Enterprises
Tribal Enterprises of San Felipe Pueblo proudly showcases the spirit of hospitality, community, and growth through its dynamic destinations; Black Mesa Casino, Black Mesa Travel Center, and the Black Mesa Pueblo Restaurant. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of gaming, a convenient stop along I-25, or a warm, home-cooked meal rooted in tradition, these enterprises deliver exceptional service and cultural pride. Together, they represent the Pueblo’s commitment to economic empowerment and sharing its rich heritage with every visitor.
Little Bobcat Ranch
The Little Bobcat Ranch near Red River, NM has beautiful views of Wheeler Peak, the tallest peak in New Mexico and large elk herds and other wildlife on the Ranch. We are allocated elk hunting tags from the New Mexico Game and Fish, which are at times made available to the public in order to support the Pueblo’s conservation goals. Interested individuals may contact the Pueblo’s Department of Natural Resources for more information.
Gallery
Local Artisans
Our Local Artisans page is coming soon. We look forward to highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity of the Pueblo of San Felipe community. Please check back for updates.