Santa Clara Pueblo, south of Española, is a community of Kha'p'o Owingeh — "singing water village" in Tewa — with a population of around 1,500 tribal members. The pueblo is particularly known for its carved black and red polished pottery, which is distinctly different from the black-on-black work associated with neighboring San Ildefonso Pueblo.
The pueblo controls access to the Puye Cliff Dwellings, a remarkable archaeological site on the Santa Clara Canyon Road about 15 kilometres from the main village. The cliff dwellings were the home of Santa Clara's ancestors between around 900 and 1580 CE, and the tours run by tribal members are far more informative than a standard guidebook visit. Beyond the cliff dwellings, the tribal lands include backcountry roads into the Jemez Mountains through spectacular canyon terrain. A tribal permit is required for fishing and camping; these are available at the tribal office on the main highway.