A natural springs located in the remote Monticello Box, 25 miles north of the village of Monticello, New Mexico, historic home of the Warm Springs Apache people, is the source of the acequia that flows along the entire length of the canyon yearlong. The hamlet was originally founded in 1856 as Cañada Alamosa, a name that honors the cottonwoods that line the canyon’s verdant pastures and orchards.

The historic character of Monticello can be seen in the village’s adobe homes, many of which have been lovingly restored by residents of Monticello and the neighboring community of Placitas. The names of the original founding families are still to be found among current residents of the canyon: Sullivan, Bourguet, Sedillo, Montoya.

Monticello Canyon has always been a ranching and farming community and it remains so today, producing organic vegetables, free-range meats, baked goods, and award-winning balsamic vinegar, as well as beautiful and unique works of art and crafts and gourmet fare, all of which are showcased annually at the renowned Monticello Holiday Store.