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Bandelier National Monument

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Editor Pick

Bandelier National Monument

  • March 22, 2008
  • Rated 3 of 5 by MikeInTown from Norristown, Pennsylvania
Bandelier National Monument

This park is known for the ancient Indian dwellings of its Frijoles Canyon. We spent about 1.5 hours walking the 1-mile Main Loop Trail that begins and ends at the visitor center. A park ranger narrated the first 1/4 mile and then left us to explore on our own. I was glad we did the guided portion of the hike; otherwise, we would have walked by so many treasures without knowing the significance. The ranger pointed out different types of volcanic rocks that had uses such as arrow heads and carving tools. She showed the many uses of the yucca plant. For example, the Indians used it as soap. She showed us how the roots become sudsy when added to water. We were shown a large round, stone-walled pit in the ground called a kiva. It is believed the Indians used this for ceremonies and meetings.

In addition to ground dwellings, the people that once lived in this area also carved homes into the rocky cliffs. They etched pictures of people and nature into the outer walls. These petroglyphs became easier to spot after the ranger pointed out one. It is amazing that these sites still exist after hundreds of years.

The ranger concluded her tour after about 20 minutes and left us alone to travel the rest of the trail. We climbed ladders to take a peek inside some of the cliff dwellings. You can still see the smoke stains on the ceilings from the fires the Indians used centuries ago. We continued along the path trying to spot more rock drawings. It is believed there are thousands of ancient dwellings and artifacts throughout the park but the local tribal elders have not granted permission to the park services to excavate them. The sites are sacred to the local pueblo and thus remain undisturbed.

The Main Loop trail is just one of many trails in the park. They vary in length and difficulty. Maps can be purchased in the Visitor Center for a dollar. While at the Visitor Center, be sure to spend 10 to 15 minutes walking through the small museum. It was here that we saw artifacts, dioramas, and life-sized models that depict life for the original inhabitants of Bandelier centuries ago. Snacks and souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop adjacent the Visitor Center.

From journal Santa Fe and Around the Way

Bandelier National Monument

  • October 14, 2005
  • Rated 3 of 5 by ArnyZona from Venlo, Netherlands
Bandelier National Monument

The drive from Santa Fe to Bandalier is only interesting for the last couple of miles. But when you drive into the canyon, you know you are trapped together with lots of tourists. Parking space is rare. In the high season and on summer weekends, the rangers even won't let you in for hours. So is it worth the wait? Well, if you have kids and want something different than the normal national park, then yes! But the real highlight is an hour hike into the canyon. You'll have to climb some ladders that give most people vertigo. It's fun to watch people freeze up, shouting at each other, and you almost feel the panic some people have when they have to climb down.

Well, I didn't go up there. I'm afraid of heights, but at least I admit that. Most people don't, so it's hilarious to sit beneath the ladders and look up. And hey, if the weather’s good, maybe some young girls will try too - now I got smacked by my wife!

From journal Santa Fe - Next to the Railway Track

Bandalier National Monument

  • April 12, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Nombiri from Taipei
Bandalier National Monument is about a 40-minute drive outside of Santa Fe. There are two ways to get there. The simplest route is to take St Francis/84/285 south out of Santa Fe and then follow signs to Bandelier. The alternate route, which we took, its more scenic and the roads virtually empty(at least in the springtime). What you do is take I-25, and once you're at Bernalillo, take the exit for 550. Look for San Ysidro and take the exit to NM 4. You'll be going through the mountains and will eventually hit the park entrance. The view on the drive is spectacular.

Once you arrive, entrace fees are $5 a person or $10 a car. The first thing you should do is head to the visitors center and pick up a guided trail map. These maps will guide you along your hike, pointing out sites of interest and giving historical and cultural facts.

From journal A Snowy Spring in Santa Fe

Editor Pick

Bandelier National Monument

  • July 17, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Go Girl! from Los Angeles, California
Bandelier National Monument

Beyond fantastic hiking, Bandelier National Monument is full of interesting history, folklore and myths turning this hikers paradise into a learning experience as well. Established in 1916 with 32,737 acres, Bandelier offers numerous trails for all different levels of hiker, (some trails are even wheelchair accessible). If you enjoy the educational experience, buy the guide book at the ranger station for a dollar and take the 1 ¼ trail with 21 number stops along the way that correspond to numbered paragraphs in the booklet. A pile of rocks will be explained for what they truly are (or were) such as a kivas, a Tyuonyi, or an infamous cave dwellings. This easy hour long hike on paved and sometimes crowded trails may wet your whistle for a mote intense adventure. If so, take the nature trail up to the ceremonial cave which is an additional hour roundtrip hike, up a dirt path with a steep climb of 140 feet and up four ladders. But be aware, at 6,000 feet above sea level, even the most basic hiking is strenuous. I’d skip the ranger escorted trip, since the guide book is very informative and the pace is snail slow.

From journal Small yet Sophisticated Santa Fe

Bandelier National Park

  • March 28, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by maryg from Birmingham, Alabama
Bandelier National Park is about a 45 min drive NW of Santa Fe. The drive to Bandelier has some of the most awesome scenery you'll ever see. The focal point of the park is the historic indian cliff dwellings. Very interesting - even for us "non-history buffs!".

You'll have to walk a short distance to view the cliff dwellings, so wear comfy shoes. Best time to go is fall or spring - could be too hot in the summer to be enjoyable! There are places for picnics and camping. Also, giftshop and snackbar.

Also an entrance fee - per car I believe.

From journal Santa Fe

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