Bandelier National Monument

Begin your exploration of Bandelier National Monument at Frijoles Canyon. There, the main loop trail takes you to the park’s top archeological attractions—ancestral Pueblo dwellings set into the cliff walls. You can get a closer look at the dwellings by climbing ladders and stone walkways to the ancient openings. While the ancient structures are the park’s main attraction, the surrounding wilderness is home to 70 miles (112 kilometers) of trails, two campgrounds, and endless backcountry camping opportunities. Throughout the summer, the park’s main visitor area is accessible only by shuttle bus and guided hikes are offered daily.xa0 Visitors traveling from Santa Fe can also visit on a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation.

• There is tent, RV (no hookups), and backcountry camping within the park—some areas require reservations or permits.
• The visitor center and some parts of the main loop trail are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Visitors with a vehicle handicap placard can skip the otherwise-mandatory shuttle and drive straight to the visitor center.
• Some of the park’s trails have been destroyed by flooding, so check at the visitor center before planning a hike.
• Learn more about the history of the area at the park’s museum and enjoy Southwest cuisine at the restaurant.

From Los Alamos (the closest town to the park’s visitor center), take Highway 501 West to Highway 4 East. Follow signs for the park. If visiting from Santa Fe (an hour drive away), book a guided tour that lets you skip the hassle of driving.

Summer is peak season, but if you want to avoid the crowds (and the mandatory shuttle from White Rock) visit late fall through early spring. You won’t have access to ranger-led hikes or the park’s restaurant, but you can enjoy the park at your own pace.

There are three options for camping at Bandelier National Monument. Juniper Campground is designed for small groups and sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. In contrast, Ponderosa Campground is suited for large groups and requires reservations—book well in advance. Backpackers can camp for free in the Bandelier backcountry, but permits are required.

This protected reserve in New Mexico—located near the city of Los Alamos—contains over 33,000 acres of rugged canyons, dramatic mesas, centuries-old Native American dwellings, and evidence of prehistoric human life dating back to the area’s first hunters and gatherers. The pristine wilderness also boasts 70 miles (113 kilometers) of hiking trails.

Bandelier National Monument was inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people, an ancient Native American community living in the Four Corners region. They made this area their home roughly from 1150 to 1550 CE, when they relocated. Visitors can still spot their cave-dug dwellings, which they carved from volcanic rock.

Painted Cave contains numerous picographs and is one of Bandelier National Monument’s prized sights. However, getting there involves either a 22-mile (35-kilometer) round-trip hike from the Visitor Center (requiring at least one overnight) or a strenuous 14.5-mile (23-kilometer) hike from the Dome Trailhead, which is closed during the winter months.

While the area contains some great multi-day hikes, parts of Bandelier National Monument can be visited in a few hours. The Pueblo Loop Trail is a 1.4-mile (2.2-kilometer) circuit that takes only around 45 minutes to complete. One full day should be sufficient unless you’re keen to camp.

Bandelier National Monument can be reached by private transportation. There’s a per-vehicle fee to get inside; you’ll pay less by walking or cycling in. There is limited parking available at Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center. During popular times, you can park at White Rock Visitor Center and board a 20-minute shuttle to Frijoles Canyon.

Bandelier National Monument is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Consider arriving early to make the most of your time (especially if you only have one day to explore). You’ll also have a better shot at snagging a coveted parking spot by beating the mid-morning rush.

There are two main campsites at Bandelier National Monument. Juniper Family offers individual and group camping spots and can accommodate trailers, RVs, and tents. There’s also Ponderosa, which is only available for groups of 10 to 50 people. Reserve in advance. The backcountry camping zone requires a permit.