For 400 years, from 1150 CE to 1550 CE, the Ancestral Pueblo people lived on cliffs. They carved their dwellings in the soft rock cliffs of a beautiful Frijoles canyon in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The ruins of the dwellings still can be seen today at the Bandelier National Monument.
About an hour of travel from Santa Fe, the Bandelier National Monument is one of the most visited sites in northern New Mexico. After I have visited the place last Columbus Day weekend, now I know why people would want to be there.
The monument is open from 9AM to 4:30PM. If you arrive before 9AM, you can bring your vehicle inside the park. However, if you arrive later, you have to take the free shuttle system provided by the Atomic City Transit. I would suggest you take the bus option. You have to park your car in a big parking lot at the White Rock Visitor Center and then take the shuttle bus that leaves every 30 minutes on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends. The ride to the monument is about 25 minutes.
Upon reaching the monument, enter the main office of the visitor center and pay the entrance fee. See the fees listed below this post.
Let the trail leads you. I walked about 2 miles on the main loop.
The ruins.
A few minutes on the trail, you will reach this point — ruins of an old village at the canyon floor.
This is how the cluster of village looks from a higher elevation.
Continue the walk and see all these people climbing up the side of the canyons.
The steps to the top are not bad at all.
The cliff dwellings.
You reach the first cave dwelling location. There are ladders provided for you to climb and check out how the dwellings look like inside.
More cliff dwellings are just few meters away.
Atop the cliff, you see this view of some rock formations.
Petroglyphs everywhere.
Along the trail, be observant of the many petroglyphs carved on the Frijoles Creek.
Can you spot the turkey?
There are more well-preserved structures on the base of the cliff.
As you go down the slope, you will reach an intersection with this sign.
More fun ahead.
If you are adventurous, take the extra trail. It is about 1.5 miles. There is a creek that winds through the trail.
Dare the challenge?
After a short while, you will see this. Look at those curious people on the side of the cliff!
Safe to climb.
You may or may not climb. If you are physically able, climb the steep route of the Alcove. There are 5 ladders — 3 longs ones and 2 short ones. Don’t worry, the ladders are securely fixed to the cliffs.
Looking up, this is the view of the top from the last ladder.
Success!
You will reach the very top. Rest. Enjoy the view.
Going down the ladder is a little harder than going up. Take your time.
What an experience!
It will be a long hike back to the Visitor’s Center, so cherish the sights around you.
The monument can be enjoyed by all ages. I saw kids eagerly climbing the ladders. For the elderly, it is advisable to bring a walking stick with you.
Other Notes.
– Pets are NOT permitted on any park trails.
– Bring water. You are in the desert. Summer is really hot at the Bandelier National Monument.
– There is a gift shop at the Visitor’s Center.
– Waiting for the bus to take you back to your car? Just wait at the designated area just on the right side of the Visitor’s Center.
– Spare at least 2 to 3 hours to walk the trails.
Travel Contact.
Address: 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Telephone Number: 505-672-3861 x517
Entrance Fees.
7-Day Automobile/Vehicle Permit: $12.00
Entrance fee for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicles (car/truck/van/motorcycle). Non-transferable. Both the Senior Pass and National Parks Pass are accepted for entry.
7-Day Single Entry Permit: $6.00
Per person entrance fee for visitors traveling on foot or bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Non-transferable.
Bandelier National Monument Annual Pass: $30.00
Valid for one year from month of purchase. Admits purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle). Non transferable, non-refundable and does not cover camping fees.
Find your way.
Will you travel and visit the Bandelier National Monument?
See more of my New Mexico travels.
See also: My other travel adventures.
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