Bandelier National Monument: Your Guide to the Perfect Day Trip
The desert landscape of New Mexico is home to many hidden gems. With breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a rich history, this region offers much to explore- destinations that may not be on your bucket list just yet. One of these treasures is Bandelier National Monument, a preserved landscape filled with ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and many trails. Before moving to New Mexico, I came across my social media feed while looking up travel inspiration. Just a few short videos were all I needed to add this fascinating location to my list immediately.
After living in the state for over a year, it seemed like a crime that I still had not visited its capital, Santa Fe. My birthday was the perfect excuse to change that. While Santa Fe was a big draw for the trip, Bandelier National Monument was the highlight- and here’s why it should be added to your list, too.
Short on time? Here’s the Key Points!
Location and Access: Bandelier National Monument is located less than an hour from Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s open year-round and offers camping but no other lodging onsite. Entry is $25 per vehicle, with National Park Passes accepted.
What to Do: The Pueblo Loop Trail is the most popular and accessible trail, showcasing highlights like Big Kiva, Tyuonyi village ruins, cliff dwellings, and Long House with petroglyphs. Don’t miss the Alcove House, reached via ladders and stone steps, offering stunning views and insights into ancestral life.
Nearby Accommodations: Staying in Santa Fe is ideal for convenient access, dining, shopping, and exploring the city’s rich history. El Farolito Bed and Breakfast is highly recommended for a cozy, walkable experience.
Experience Highlights: Bandelier combines breathtaking desert scenery with a rich cultural history, making it a perfect spot for photography, hiking, and connection to the past.
Bandelier National Monument
Once home to the Ancestral Pueblo People, Bandelier spans 33,677 acres and is located just 50 minutes outside of Santa Fe. Although it only contains three miles of public roads, there are over 70 miles of trails to explore, offering you access to its most famous landmarks, including Petroglyphs, the cliff dwellings, and Alcove House.
The area was named after Adolph Bandelier, an anthropologist who studied its cultures and advocated for their preservation. It was officially established as a National Monument in 1916 and remains dedicated to protecting its history and natural beauty.
The park is open year-round, and entry is $25 per vehicle. Remember, National Park passes can be used at National Monuments as well, and are most definitely worth the investment. You can get yours HERE.
On the way in, you’ll come across a pull-off for a beautiful scenic overlook. You can stop here to snap some photos before continuing to Frijoles Canyon. This is where you’ll find the main parking area and visitor center.
If you’re planning a visit between mid-May and mid-October, keep in mind that there is limited parking. The park provides a free, mandatory shuttle service into Frijoles Canyon during this time. Since my trip took place at the end of March, I didn’t experience this firsthand.
At the visitor center, there is a small walkthrough museum that was a great way to learn more about the area and close out our visit. There is also an attached seasonal cafe for a quick bit to eat.
Where to Stay
There is no lodging within Bandelier National Monuments (aside from some camping options), but there are several accommodations nearby.
Since our trip was part of our visit to Santa Fe, we stayed in the city. This is a great option if you’re looking for a hotel, restaurant options, and maybe a little shopping. Santa Fe holds so much history and charm, and it’s definitely worth exploring! Plus, Bandelier is conveniently located less than an hour away.
Santa Fe Lodging
We chose to stay at El Farolito Bed and Breakfast, and I will forever be singing its praises! Cozy and comfortable, it provided a great base for our adventure. Located in a walkable area, it’s just about 10 minutes from the city plaza. Starting each day with a home-cooked breakfast and delicious coffee ensured this is where I’ll be staying on all future trips to Santa Fe.
Four Kachinas is another great option and is similar in price and location.
Santa Fe Motel and Inn is locally owned and provides a more affordable option without sacrificing the southwest touch.
Los Alamos Lodging
If you’re looking for hotels closer to Bandelier National Monument you’ll want to stay in or near Los Alamos. Below are links to the closest hotels I could find.
Holiday Inn– 6.7 miles from Bandelier
Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos– 7.3 miles from Bandelier
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Alamos– 4.8 miles from Bandelier
Camping
There is only one option for individual camping sites within Bandelier and that is Juniper Family Campground. These can accommodate cars/tents, campers, and RVs. The majority can be reserved in advance, the remainder is first come first serve.
There are also a few group spots that can accommodate 10-20 people at Juniper Group Campground and two group sites that can accommodate 10-50 people at Ponderosa Group Camping.
If you really want a fully immersive Bandelier experience you can acquire a permit for backcountry camping. You can learn more about this option HERE.
Pueblo Loop Trail
The Pueblo Loop Trail is the most popular trail within Bandelier National Monument, and for good reason. This is a 1.4-mile loop with a 239 ft elevation gain (not counting any ladders you might choose to climb). With sightseeing stops along the way, you can expect to spend about an hour on this trail.
The trail is easily accessible from the visitor center. Be sure to use the restrooms here, as there are none along the trail itself. It is well-marked throughout, and most of it is paved, ensuring a non-technical hike for all skill levels.
As you follow the loop, you’ll encounter the main attractions of Bandellier. The first was Big Kiva, once a communal meeting place for the Pueblo people. Originally covered by a roof, it is now an open space that is 42 ft across and 8 ft deep.
Next, you’ll come across Tyuonyi, the remains of a village that once consisted of around 400 rooms. Although all that remains is the base layer, it was originally two stories high.
From this point, you’ll begin to see the cliff dwellings, where you’ll likely find a line of visitors waiting to climb up. You’ll follow the trail to some stairs up the side of the canyon, but before reaching the dwellings you’ll spot Talus House. It’s a reconstructed structure typical of those built at the base of the cliff. While you can’t enter it, you can peer inside through the window slots.
Continuing along the canyon, you’ll reach the cliff dwellings (cavates). As I mentioned before, you’ll more than likely have to wait in a bit of a line, but I personally think checking them out is worth the wait! A short ladder climb will take you inside the dwellings, and there is a small area to explore. This gives you an unclose look at where the Ancient Pueblo People used to live.
As you proceed, the trail brings you to Long House. This soft section of rock used to have multiple rooms carved into it, stretching about 800 feet in length. You can still see the foundation of the structure and the holes that once supported the roof beams. Some faint Petroglyphs are also visible along Long House if you look close enough. As well as a painting that was discovered beneath a layer of plaster, which is now protected by a clear sealant.
From here, the trail enters a wooded area, offering the option to take a detour towards Alcove House, which I highly recommend. This adds an extra mile to your trip (a half mile each way). We did come across a sign warning us about bears in the area. Although we did not see any, and the trail is very well populated, it’s always a great idea to remain aware.
Alcove House was my personal favorite part of our visit to Bandelier! To reach the top, you’ll climb four wooden ladders and a short series of stone steps that will take you 140 feet above the Frijoles Canyon floor. The ladder rungs were very stable, so no need to worry about a rickety wooden ladder. Although the area is protected by railings, if you have a fear of heights, this climb may not be for you.
At the top, you’ll get to explore the naturally formed alcove where they estimate about 25 people used to live. A reconstructed kiva can be seen here, where the Pueblo People used to meet for ceremonial or ritual gatherings. Don’t forget to take in the stunning views- it’s a great vantage point to enjoy the beauty of Bandelier. I found myself taking a moment to admire how the Pueblo People likely took the trek up the ladders to stand where I was frequently. It’s a great way to feel connected to a small piece of history.
Once you make your way down from Alcove House, you’ll follow the trail the same way you came to rejoin with the remainder of Pueblo Loop Trail. This will lead you back to the visitor center.
Other Trails within Bandelier
If you have more than just one day to explore this National Monument, here are some other trails that allow you to venture through the Bandelier wilderness.
Falls Trail
Distance- 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain- 311 feet
Type- Out & Back
Time- About a 1 hour
Level- Easy to Moderate
Tyuonyi Overlook
Distance- 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain- 196 feet
Type- Out & Back
Time- About 45 minutes
Level- Easy
Cerro Grande Route
Distance- 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain- 1,223 feet
Type- Out & Back
Time- About 2.5-3 hours
Level- Moderate
Ponderosa to Frijoles Canyon
Distance- 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain- 810 feet
Type- Out & Back
Time- About 2 hours
Level- Moderate
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a unique day trip or planning a full weekend of discovery, Bandelier National Monument won’t disappoint. Where beautiful desert landscapes meets a vibrant history, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors while learning something along the way. The Pueblo Loop Trail is a must for your visit, but there are plenty of opportunities to continue exploring the area- or venture over to Santa Fe and experience the city!
Bandelier National Monument is an unforgettable destination to fill your camera roll and memory bank. So, go ahead and add it to your bucket list today!
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