Alcove House is temporarily closed until further notice due to deterioration on the ladders beyond what was expected. It is being done out of an abundance of caution and with visitor safety in mind. The rest of Bandelier remains open.

Alcove House Temporarily Closed

The Ponderosa Campground is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.

Water Outage at Ponderosa Campground

Bandelier is in a remote location, with cell service in the canyon limited to Verizon 4G only. Services like Uber and Lyft will bring you here, but there may be no way to contact a ride out. Please plan your pickup before being dropped off at Bandelier.

Uber, Lyft, and Other "Taxi" Services

Numerous visitors have been routed to remote trailheads and out-of-the-way roads trying to use GPS to reach the main park area or shuttle stop.

The Use of GPS is NOT Recommended

General park email for any questions about monument operations.

Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful canyon and mesa country. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.

Pass covers all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car, truck, camper, or van up to 15 passengers). Auto passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen.  Entrance passes do not cover camping fees.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Pass covers a single motorcycle and up to two people. Motorcycle passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen.

Entrance - Motorcycle

Pass covers per person entrance fee for those 16 years of age and older traveling on foot or by bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a 16 passenger or greater vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Individual passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen.

Entrance - Per Person

Valid for one year from month of purchase. Admits passholder and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder plus up to 3 other people when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle). Non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen.

Annual Entrance - Park

Tyuonyi

View from a Cavate

Long House

Frijoles Canyon

a view of the Valles Caldera from Cerro Grande

Cerro Grande

The Rio Grande

Visitor Center

Bandelier

Bandelier National Monument Closed on Christmas Day

Bandelier National Monument

Tsankawi is located 14.5 miles NE of Bandelier National Monument. It is located just outside of White Rock.

Tsankawi Unit

Front-Country Hiking

The Trail to Upper Falls

The Falls Trail starts at the end of the Backpacker's Parking Lot near the visitor center. The trail descends 400 vertical feet in its 1.5 mile length to the Upper Falls. A beautiful trail in any season, this trail is not cleared of snow in the winter and can be extremely icy. There are steep dropoffs along the trail and plank bridges across the creek. Keep children close at all times and watch for wildlife. Take plenty of water.

Hike the Upper Falls Trail

Archeology

Cliff Dwellings

Ruins

Canyons and Canyonlands

Climate Change

Fire

Forests and Woodlands

Geology

Mountains

Native American Heritage

Night Sky

Floods

Water Trails

Entrance fee applies. An automatic fee collection machine is available at the trailhead. Visitors are required to display their entry pass on the dashboards of their vehicles. 

A vast view of the Tsankawi area of Bandelier.

Tsankawi Trail

The Tsankawi section of Bandelier National Monument is located on State Highway 4 twelve miles from the main section of the park. At Tsankawi you take a 1.5 mile walk along a mesa, viewing cavates, petroglyphs and the Ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi. Ladders are a required part of this trail. The trail is very exposed to the elements and should not be taken during localized thunderstorms. Cold, snowy weather can make the trail slippery so extra care should be taken when visiting in winter.

The trail is open all year, however, can be icy in the the winter months. 

Learn everything you need to know about hiking the Tsankawi Loop Trail.

Hike the Tsankawi Loop Trail

Caves, Caverns and Karst

Plateaus and Mesas

Monuments and Memorials

Natural Sounds

Rock Landscapes and Features

Scenic Views

Junior Ranger Program

A short workbook filled with activities for all ages.

Junior Ranger logo with ranger flat hat, words read Explore, Learn, Protect

Jr. Ranger Logo

<div>To participate in this on-site program, the prospective Junior Ranger picks up a workbook at the Visitor Center and fills in the questions while visiting the park. Upon returning to the Visitor Center, a ranger will go over the work with the candidate. Successful candidates receive a Bandelier Junior Ranger wooden badge and our hearty congratulations.  </div> Pick up a free ranger booklet at the visitor center when you visit. If you complete these booklets, you will receive the wooden badge. Be sure to stop by the visitor center and pick up your supplies before starting your junior ranger adventure.

Information on our junior ranger program at Bandelier

Become a Bandelier Junior Ranger

River and Riparian

Trails

Unique Species

remnants of a stone village in the bottom of a canyon with steep rocky tan cliffs and blue sky

Leaving Tyuonyi Village

The Pueblo Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile loop trail through archeological sites. Most visitors spend an hour on this trail. Ladders along the trail allow visitors to climb into <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/cavate-with-ladder.htm">cavates</a> (small human-carved alcoves). The Pueblo Loop Trail takes you past the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/big-kiva.htm">Big Kiva</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/tyuonyi.htm">Tyuonyi</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/talus-house.htm">Talus House</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/long-house.htm">Long House</a>. Pick up a $2 trail guide at the Park Store to learn more about the sites along the trail through descriptions of 21 numbered stops. The first section of this trail is flatter and may be travelled by wheelchairs and strollers; however, some areas exceed accessibility standards and some areas contain stairs/dropoffs. In winter, this is the only trail on which the snow is removed.

Summary, things to see, and maps of the famous Pueblo Loop Trail in Bandelier National Monument.

Hike the Main Pueblo Loop Trail

Migrations

Catastrophic Fires

Roads, Routes and Highways

Backcountry Hiking

Frijoles Canyon from the rim section of the Frijoles Loop Trail.

The Frijoles canyon trail is an 8 mile one way hike from Ponderosa campground to the Visitor Center. From Ponderosa campground the trail goes into the canyon and turns left along the creek and towards the Visitor Center. Take the time to enjoy the incredible rock formations and relax in the peace and quiet. Be prepared to get your feet wet as there are no bridges, but shallow water. The Frijoles Rim trail is located on the mesa above Frijoles canyon. From Cottonwood picnic area by the Visitor center, take the Long trail to the Frijoles Rim trail. It connects to the Frijoles canyon trail at the upper crossing of Frijoles creek and allows you to turn this into about a 13 mile loop. This trail gives you expansive views of a good portion of Northern New Mexico and several mountain ranges. Please note: Ask a ranger at the Visitor Center if you have questions about this trail or condtions.

Get details about hiking the Frijoles Loop trail.

Hike the Frijoles Canyon & Rim Trail

Animals

View from Frey Trail

Before the construction of the entrance road in the late 1930's, the Frey Trail ( 1.5 miles one way) was the main route to enter and exit Frijoles Canyon. The trail begins at Juniper Campground and makes its way to the edge of the canyon where it switchbacks down to the canyon (>550' elevation change). The trail provides excellent views of Tyuonyi. Hiking up is a difficult trail at any time, it can be hot in summer as there is little shelter from the sun along the trail. Be sure and always carry plenty of water. Hiking down is now a wonderful walk with amazing views. Just be sure to bring water. Also during summer (mid May to mid October) hike down the Frey Trail and take the shuttle bus back up to the trailhead. Check at the visitor center for current conditions of the shuttle bus.

Learn about the Frey trail, including roundtrip mileage, time, and what you will see.

Hike the Frey Trail

Cerro Grande Trail

The Cerro Grande Route goes up to the highest point in the park, Cerro Grande Peak (10,199 ft). The preferred route is marked by yellow diamonds and is 2.3 miles each way (4.6 round trip). There is an elevation gain of approximately 1200 feet from trailhead to summit. The views from the top are quite spectacular. Snow and ice may be present longer than at lower elevations. In late summer, thunderstorms can pose a serious threat. Before hiking be sure you are prepared with adequate gear and clothing.

Trail description, including roundtrip mileage and what to expect along the way.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing at Bandelier

Opportunities to cross-country ski, snowshoe, and hike may be found in the Upper Frijoles area of the monument located off of Highway 4, near Forest Service Road 289 (Dome Road). There are four trails - the Cerro Grande Trail, the Alamo Boundary Trail, and the two Upper Frijoles loop trails (one is 2.4 miles round-trip while the other is 5 miles round-trip). Trails are open during daylight hours only. Pets are not permitted. Please pack out all trash. Snowshoe users and hikers are asked to stay to the side of the ski trail. Seasonal Conditions Snow volume varies from year to year so call the visitor center (505-672-3861 x 0 or 1800) for current conditions. The ski and snowshoe season usually lasts from mid-November to mid-March. The trails are open all year to hiking.

Cross-country skiing and other winter recreational activities are available at Bandelier National Monument.

Cross-Country Ski the Blue & Orange Trails

Wilderness

Claret Cup Cactus blooming with bright red flowers.

Claret Cup Cactus

Alamo Boundary Trail is a relatively easy hike from FS 289 to the boundary between the monument and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The trail is only 1.3 miles each way but it also connects with the Coyote Call Trail on the Valles Caldera. Elevation change on the Alamo Boundary Trail is only 400'. This a trail is a great place for solitude. The road to access this trail is closed during winter.

Learn more about the Alamo Boundary Trail, including roundtrip mileage and where to start the hike.

Alamo Boundary Trail

Volcanoes

Tyuonyi from the Frey Trail

Bandelier National Monument has over 70 miles of trail within its boundaries. The most popular of these trails are the Main (Pueblo) Loop Trail and Alcove House Trail which are accessed from the visitor center in Frijoles Canyon. These trails take you to many Ancestral Pueblo sites. The Falls Trail is another trail that is very popular. It takes you to a beautiful waterfall. Flooding destroyed the trail leaving no access to the Rio Grande from Frijoles Canyon. There are no archeological sites on this trail.

Pets are not permitted on hiking trails at Bandelier National Monument: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/pets.htm">Pets - Bandelier National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)</a>

Hiking in Bandelier? Find trail recommendations, download maps, and explore the sites in Bandelier National Monument.

Hiking in Bandelier

Wildlife Watching

Watch for the interesting creatures that call Bandelier home.

a large gray squirrel with a white belly and big ears with tassels

Abert's Squirrel

Bandelier National Monument has a wide variety of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/id-of-mammals.htm">mammals</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/Birds-of-Bandelier.htm">birds</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/Reptiles-of-Bandelier.htm">reptiles</a> with some unique creatures such as Abert's Squirrels. Different animals can be found at different times of the year and in a variety of locations. Remember, always keep your distance from the wildlife (especially the big ones) and try not to cause them to change their behavior. A long lens is recommended for photography.

Wildlife is always in the park but not always easy to see. Keep your eyes open as you hike the trails and be amazed at what you may find.

Bandelier Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Cats (wild)

Recommended for children (4 years and up) and adults

Alcove House

Half way through the Pueblo Loop Trail, a choice must be made; turn back toward the visitor center or continue another half mile each way (1 mile round trip) to Alcove House. Alcove House is located 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon. The elevated site is now reached by 4 wooden ladders and a number of stone stairs. CLOSURES Alcove house may close in the winter due to snow and ice. Occasionally it will close for routine maintenance or resource management work. A sign at the base of the stairs will indicate if Alcove House is closed. Check at the visitor center for details

Sometimes closed in winter if ladders are icy.

Learn about the hike and ladder-climb at Bandelier's Alcove House.

Indigenous and Native Warrior

Picnicking

Abert Squirrel

Parking Lot Island On the island in the middle of the parking lot this area is shaded and offers several picnic tables, trash cans, and a bear box storage unit. Cottonwood Picnic AreaCottonwood Picnic Area is located just a short walk across Frijoles Creek from the visitor center in Frijoles Canyon. This area has parking spots with picnic tables. Self- contained stoves are permitted but no open campfires or barbeque grills. Juniper CampgroundJuniper Campground is open to picnicking until 4:00 PM daily, after that a overnight camping fee will be charged. This area is located on the mesa and can be reached by turning right at the first road past the park entrance station. Picnickers should pick a spot not already occupied by campers. Fires are permitted in the grate provided. Each campground spot has a picnic table, barbeque grill, and a parking space.

Pets are allowed within the picnic areas on a 6-foot leash. Pets are not allowed on trails.

Bandelier provides multiple options for picnicking and other day-use activities.

Picnicking at Bandelier

Camping

Tall pine trees blanket the Juniper Campground.

Juniper Campground

<h4> </h4> There are three different ways to camp in Bandelier. Juniper Campground is our family campground and is intended for small groups of 10 individuals or less. There are two campsites in Juniper Campground designed to handle small groups (10 - 20 people). Ponderosa Campground is a group campground for groups larger than 10 individuals. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit that can be obtained for free at the visitor center. The closest backcountry camping zone is approximately 2 miles from the visitor center. For more information click on your choice of camping options below. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/ponderosa-group-campground.htm">Ponderosa Group Campground</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/juniper-family-campground.htm">Juniper Family Campground</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm">Backcountry Camping</a>

Pets are only allowed in Juniper Campground and Ponderosa Campground, pets are not allowed for Backcountry camping. All pets must be on a 6-foot leash.

Camping and campground information for Bandelier National Monument.

Camping at Bandelier

Shrine at Tyuonyi Overlook

<h4>See what this trail is like before you hike it. Do a virtual tour <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/tyuonyivirtual.htm">here</a>.</h4> The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail begins at Juniper Campground and crosses the mesa to an amazing overlook of Frijoles Canyon and Tyuonyi Pueblo. The 2.2 mile round-trip trail is relatively level but prone to be dusty or muddy depending on the season. This trail is an excellent place to see the common plants of the Pinon-Juniper woodland. The trail passes a number of archeological sites. Please don't climb on the walls or remove artifacts.

Learn about the Tyuonyi Overlook Trail, including roundtrip mileage and where to start the hike.

Tyuonyi Overlook Trail

Hiking Under Ponderosa Pines

Within Bandelier's 33,000 acres there are over 70 miles of trail. Some trails are short easy loops while others can encompass many miles and steep rocky switchbacks. There are even two trails designated for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/cross-country-skiing.htm">cross-country skiing</a> in the winter. Pets are not permitted on any park trails. For more information on short trails, click the links below: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/pueblo-loop-trail.htm">Main (Pueblo) Loop Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/alcove-house.htm">Alcove House</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/tsankawi.htm">Tsankawi</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/falls-trail.htm">Falls Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/frey-trail.htm">Frey Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/frijolito-loop-trail.htm">Frijolito Loop Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/tyuonyi-overlook-trail.htm">Tyuonyi Overlook Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/burnt-mesa-trail.htm">Burnt Mesa Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/cerro-grande-route.htm">Cerro Grande Route</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/alamo-boundary-trail.htm">Alamo Boundary Trail</a>

Explore Bandelier's scenery and cultural heritage on its many short hiking trails.

Short Trails

Explorers and Expeditions

Farming and Agriculture

Uphill hike along the Frijolito Loop Trail

The Frijolito Loop Trail

Frijolito Loop Trail begins in Cottonwood Picnic Area, just across the creek from the visitor center. The trail goes up Frijoles Canyon by using steep switchback path, crosses the mesa passing near an unexcavated archeological site (Frijolito Pueblo) and then drops back into Frijoles Canyon on the Long Trail. Total distance is 2.5 miles. This trail is a difficult climb and can be icy in winter. 

Find out about hiking the Frijolito Loop trail at Bandelier National Monument.

Fall colors in the backcountry of Bandelier

Upper Frijoles Canyon

Within Bandelier's 33,000 acres there are over 70 miles of trails. Some trails are short easy loops while others are longer and more difficult. Longer backcountry trails often involve hiking more than 12 miles round-trip. Backcountry permits are required and are available at the visitor center for overnight stays in the park's backcountry. Water is not readily available on most backcountry trails. Please check at the visitor center for current conditions before hiking in the backcountry. Pets, bicycles, and pack animals are not permitted on any park trails. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/frijoles-canyon-and-rim.htm">Frijoles Rim and Canyon Trail</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/yapashi-pueblo.htm">Yapahsi Pueblo</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/painted-cave.htm">Painted Cave</a>

Winter hikes may include snowy or icy trails, while hikes in the summer will be hot and occasionally include thunderstorms.

Description of Bandelier backcountry and links for longer trails

Long Trails

Cholla Cactus near the Yapashi Pueblo site.

Cholla Cactus Near the Yapashi Pueblo

The hike to Yapashi pueblo is a beautiful, but difficult day hike. It is a 12 mile hike to Yapashi and back. Remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and proper clothing. Yapashi pueblo is an unexcavated pueblo archaeology site.

Description of the Yapashi Pueblo and details about the hike.

Alert: Alcove House Temporarily Closed: Alcove House is temporarily closed until further notice due to deterioration on the ladders beyond what was expected. It is being done out of an abundance of caution and with visitor safety in mind. The rest of Bandelier remains open.

Bandelier

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

Hike the Upper Falls Trail

Description

Fees

Hike the Tsankawi Loop Trail

Description

Fees

Become a Bandelier Junior Ranger

Description

Hike the Main Pueblo Loop Trail

Description

Fees

Hike the Frijoles Canyon & Rim Trail

Description

Fees

Hike the Frey Trail

Description

Fees

More Images