The Delight Makers

In the shadow of the Rio Grande’s western mountains, a little‑known chain of volcanic peaks hides a series of steep, tufa‑lined gorges that few have ever entered. The narrator follows narrow, crumbling passages that open into artificial caves once carved by ancient Pueblo peoples, discovering how the soft stone made entire villages appear as if they had been hewn from the earth itself. Along the way, vivid descriptions of clear streams, wind‑swept cliffs, and the sparse yet tenacious vegetation bring the landscape to life.

The first part of the book weaves natural history with the oral traditions that still echo among the modern Pueblo communities near Santa Clara and Cochiti. As the explorer maps the forgotten “Rito de los Frijoles,” he uncovers artifacts and stories that hint at a sophisticated culture living in harmony with the harsh terrain. Readers are invited to share the wonder of a place where geology and human memory intersect, setting the stage for deeper journeys into the canyon’s hidden past.