A place of journey
The Caja del Rio is a complex series of ecosystems created by the Rio Grande rift and small, single eruption volcanoes two to five million years ago that has left more than 60 cinder cones and basalt outflows across the landscape, including Tetilla Peak and Cienega volcano. Piñon-juniper, grasslands, Great Basin sage scrub, chamisa, and sagebrush dot the entire area and give coverage to a variety of wildlife species, including elk, deer, black bear, cougar and many endangered and sensitive species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
With the Pueblos surrounding the Caja del Rio and current federal administration and Department of Interior leadership, there is a unique opportunity to realize how systems for Tribal co-management and co-stewardship of public lands should work. This will help ensure that the sacredness of places like the Caja del Rio plateau are appropriately protected and managed for future generations.
The effort to protect the caja
New Mexicans want permanent protection for the Caja.
The Caja Coalition is a diverse group of individuals, organizations, elected leaders, Pueblo leaders, spiritual leaders, conservationists, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and more who all share one thing in common: a commitment to preserving the beauty, history, water and wildlife of the Caja del Rio.
Together we can help ensure that the Caja del Rio will be cared for and protected for generations to come.
Caja del Rio in Film
Help us protect this treasured place of journey
Take Action
Visit our action center to learn more about how the Coalition is working to protect the Caja del Rio and how you can help.