Exploring Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

A stunning southwest setting preserves archeological dwellings and petroglyphs alongside the grand wilderness within Bandelier National Monument. Hunter gathers were roaming this area of current day New Mexico since 11,000 BC, but by approximately 1150 AD the Pueblo peoples built sedentary villages within the cliffside of the Frijoles Canyon which they inhabited until the 17^th century.

Over 70 miles of hiking trails cover from mountainous summits of 10,200 feet, down to the Rio Grande Valley. Below are some of the most exciting and attainable trails for a one day visit. Start your trip at a visitor center to obtain a map and use the facilities.

Main Loop trail

Certainly the most popular path in the park, the loop is 1.2 miles long leading from the visitor center and much of it is paved.

Cliffs are visually stunning from the distance, but become even more intriguing as you take a closer look.

Discover the extensive clusters of ancestral pueblo homes, sometimes multiple stories high, spanning hundreds of feet long.

What’s more is that these aren’t guarded off by ropes, visitors are encouraged to enter these cavates by the help of ladders.

Under further scrutiny, notice the petroglyphs that are carved into the cliff some cases,

and painted upon the rock in other cases – withstanding the test of time.

In one instance, there is even a preserved section of the colors and designs that would be painted on the outside of these dwellings.

Alcove House

Those looking for further adventure, take the extension from the main loop adding an extra mile, creating a roundtrip hike of 2.2 miles.

Excitement piques when the ceremonial cave comes into view, and the route you must take  to reach it is uncovered.

Only those who are confident in their abilities and comfortable with heights should undertake the 140 foot quartet of ladders.

Your reward is an immaculately preserved kiva chamber, used for religious rituals hundreds of years ago.

The view is extraordinary and the experience to get there is an unforgettable one.

Completing the other side of the loop there are many informational plaques detailing facts about the environment.

Falls Trail

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, you won’t find many other visitors along this path. There are no archeological sites and the trailhead is not obvious from the parking lot.

The hike is a peaceful out and back hike of three miles roundtrip, dropping in elevation 400 feet along the way.

Upper falls is 80 feet tall stemming from snowmelt of the Jemez Mountains, eventually flowing out to the Rio Grande.

Prior to 2011 the trail continued down to the lower falls and the banks of the Rio Grande, but flash floods destroyed the path and there is no access to the river from the Frijoles Canyon at this time.

Tsankawi Unit

A drive away from the main section of the park, this site sees far few people and isn’t very well signed from the highway. It’s worth seeking out the 1.5 mile loop hike which has its own unique charm.

The people who lived in this area shared the same beliefs as those in the main area of Bandelier, but their language was different.

They left their mark on the land, with cavates, petroglyphs, and the low dug out stonewalls which make up the ancient paths of the Pueblos.

Not only is the history of interest here, but the panoramas are positively stunning as well.

Good to know:

+Entry is $25.00, good for seven days – check the website for fee free days

+Free with American the Beautiful national park pass

Fun Fact: One of the first national preserves in the country, Bandelier is a record setter, the largest National Park Service Civilian Conservation Corps landmark district which hasn’t been changed since its creation during the Great Depression. An interesting historical bit, the park was closed during WWII, because the lodge was used as living quarters for those working on the Manhattan Project.