The Happiness Function

Bandelier National Monument is home to one of the largest cliff dwellings in North America. Rich geological diversity, fascinating cultural history, and striking scenery make this desert wonderland a fantastic choice for hikers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

It was home to the ancestral Pueblo people from 1150 CE to 1550 CE, and the ancestral Pueblo had a human presence in the area for over 11,000 years.

We’re sharing exactly how to spend the perfect day at the park, where you can explore the ancestral Pueblo village and see excavated archeological sites.

Bandelier National Monument Travel Guide

We have put together some of the best things to do at Bandelier National Monument to help you get the most out of your visit in one day.

One-Day Itinerary

• Hike the Main Loop Trail (Pueblo Loop Trail)
• Hike the Alcove House Trail
• Have a picnic lunch or snack
• Browse the Visitor Center
• Head to Camp or Back to Santa Fe

Hike the Main Loop Trail (Pueblo Loop Trail)

You don’t have to wander far to see how impressive Bandelier National Monument is. Hike the Main Loop Trail (Pueblo Loop Trail) along the canyon walls.

• Trail Name: Main Loop Trail (Pueblo Loop Trail)
• Distance: 1.4-mile loop
• Time to hike: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy (caveat – there are some stairs)

Trail Details: Some of the trail is paved, and some is a nice wide pebble path that takes hikers by archeological sites, pit houses, and cliffside dwellings such as the Long House and Talus House.

Visitor Tip: You can buy a trail guide at the Visitor Center for a self-guided tour of the archeological sites. There are kivas and small alcoves to admire.

The geologic formations throughout the canyon are awesome.

Hike To the Alcove House

The Alcove House is 140 feet from the bottom of Frijoles Canyon. Inside the Alcove, there are archeological ruins and incredible views. Remains of the kiva can be seen.

• Trail Name: Alcove House Trail via Main Loop Trail
• Distance: ½ mile each way from the branch of the Main Loop Trail
• Time to hike: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: Hard – multiple wooden ladders, steep drop-offs, heights

Trail Details: Once you reach the Main Loop Trail’s furthest point, there is a “Y” to get on the trail leading to the Alcove House. It is another ½ mile each way to get to the Alcove House. You have to climb ladders to get into the cove.

AllTrails rates the Alcove House Trail as easy, but the ladder climb is definitely something folks want to be careful and thoughtful about while climbing up and down — it is very steep.

Why We Loved This Hike: This is one of the most remarkable hikes we have done in New Mexico. Though it is short, it makes for an exciting adventure because you have to climb up multiple tiers of wood ladders to reach the Alcove House Ceremonial Cave.

If you don’t mind heights and like a little adrenaline rush, this is a fantastic trail.

Have a Picnic Along Frijoles Creek

Enjoy the forest and surrounding area after hiking. There are multiple places to picnic within the park.

Be sure to bring your own food, snacks, and water. The park is located in a rural area, and there are not many food options. However, there is a small park store within the Visitor Center.

Explore the Visitor Center

When we visited during the fall of one year, a Native American drum team performed for visitors. It was beautiful. Hopefully, you can catch this experience during your trip. The Visitor Center also has a small museum.

Where To Camp

There are two campgrounds within the park. To protect local wildlife, practice responsible camping etiquette. Bears live in the area, so you will want to have bear-proof food containers.

Juniper Family Campground

The Juniper campground is just off Highway 4 near the park’s entrance.

The campsites are first-come, first-served. There are no electrical hook-ups or showers, but there is a restroom with running water.

Pets are allowed at the Juniper Campground (link to recreation.gov).

Ponderosa Group Campground

The Ponderosa campground is another place to camp. The campground is small, and reservations are required.

Check out recreation.gov to book. The campground is only open seasonally.

More Trails at Bandelier National Monument

The park has over 70 miles of trails to explore. If you’d like to hike more, there are longer and shorter trails to check out.

List of Short Trails

• Frey Trail
• Bandelier National Monument Falls Trail
• Frijolito Loop Trail
• Tyuonyi Overlook Trail
• Cerro Grande Peak Trail
• Burnt Mesa Trail
• Tsankawi Trail
• Falls Trail

Here is more information on the shorter hiking trails.

Visitors can also participate in one of many ranger-led tours. From July through September, a guided tour from the Visitor Center to the Tyuonyi Pueblo is available.

List of Longer Hikes

• Painted Cave Trail
• Yapahsi Pueblo Trail
• Frijoles Rim and Canyon Trail

Here is more information on the longer trails.

Backcountry Hiking

If you’re interested in backcountry hikes and camping, the park offers guided tours and backcountry tours. Here is more information on backcountry permits.

Tips for Visiting

Arrive Early. It can get hot if you visit during the summer, so it’s best to start hikes earlier in the day. Do you need to take the shuttle? Below is more on the shuttle.

Keep it casual. Wear comfortable hiking clothes and dress appropriately for the weather. Remember sunscreen and a hat, as you’re at a higher elevation.

Bring food, water, and snacks. The park is in a rural location with limited cell phone reception. So you will want to bring your own food, water, and snacks.

Have a backup plan if the campgrounds are full. You might want to stay in Santa Fe.

Directions To Bandelier National Monument

From Santa Fe: Bandelier National Monument is about an hour’s drive. Head north out of Santa Fe on US-84 and exit onto NM-4W. There are many signs, and you can also use Google Maps, which will lead you to the main entrance.

From Los Alamos: Bandelier National Monument is about 20 minutes south of NM 4-E.

Bandelier National Monument Map

Below is a map so you can see where the park is located.

Other Questions You May Have While Planning

How much does it cost?

The entry fee is $25 per car. The park is part of the National Park Service, and the annual America the Beautiful Pass is accepted if you have it.

Is there a shuttle bus?

Yes. Bandelier can get very busy from May through October, and there is limited parking at the main parking lot. So, most visitors will need to park at the White Rock Visitor Center outside of the main entrance and take the shuttle to the Visitor Center, where you can access the Main Loop Trail and Alcove House Trail.

The White Rock Visitor Center address is 115 State Road 4, White Rock, New Mexico 87547

When is the best time of year to visit?

If you don’t like crowds, go in the fall around mid-October. When we visited, we did not need to take the shuttle. Instead, we could park in the parking lot at the Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center.

The weather is gorgeous in northern New Mexico during mid-May; however, this is also when the crowds begin to pick up.

The spring and fall are great times of the year to hike and explore.

Is Bandelier National Monument worth visiting?

You should absolutely visit. The area is incredibly gorgeous, and stopping to hike just two of the recommended trails above will give you memories of a lifetime. Seeing the cliff dwellings is one of the best things about hiking in Northern New Mexico.

What are the hours?

Before planning your trip, double-check the main park website for operating hours. These can change due to weather and holidays.

Also, be sure to check for any trail closures.

What is the elevation?

If you’re visiting from the flatlands, consider that the park’s highest point is 10,199 feet. Be sure to take it slow when adventuring in higher altitudes.

Is the park open year-round?

Since the park is higher, it can occasionally close due to snow. Therefore, be sure to check the park’s operating status before planning a trip.

Are dogs allowed?

Pets are not allowed on the trails or in the buildings, but they are allowed at the campgrounds.

Be sure to keep a close eye on your furry friends. The park is home to rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and bears.

Have Fun

It is fascinating to see ancient cliff dwellings in the southwest and trek along hiking trails that may have been where ancestral Pueblo people once walked.

Can you imagine climbing to some of these places every day or living in cave dwellings?

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee + Pablo

Save for Later!

Pin this guide on Pinterest to plan your adventure later.

Follow The Happiness Function on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.