It was the first systematic excavation of a prehistoric pueblo in the Rio Grande valley. The cliff dwellings were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966, under the name of "Puye Ruins." In 2000, a planned burn of trees in Bandelier National Monument burned out of control. The resulting wildfire, known as the Cerro Grande Fire, eventually claimed , some 250 houses in Los Alamos, and devastated Santa Clara Canyon. Puye Cliff Dwellings site has recently (2009) been reopened to the public. Current information can be obtained from Santa Clara Pueblo. Tours can be scheduled to explore the cliffs and learn of their history.