Nine years after a major fire, Santa Clara Pueblo of New Mexico reopened the Puye Cliff Dwellings to the public on Wednesday.

The Cerro Grande Fire of May 2000 didn't harm the site. But it caused significant damage to other parts of the reservation that needed to be rebuilt.

"We never thought it would reopen because of the devastation of the fire," said Gov. Walter Dasheno, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

The tribe built new roads, along with a gas station, visitor center, gift shop and restaurant. Visitors will now be escorted to the cliffs by tribal guides.

A nearby canyon that was destroyed in the fire remains closed though the tribe might reopen it in the future.

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Nine years after the devastating fire, newly restored ruins open to public (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/14)