Bandelier National Monument New Mexico Day Trip

Bandelier National Monument covers 33 677 acres that preserve several thousand Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in Los Alamos County in New Mexico. Known for its mesas and sheer-walled canyons, the Bandelier National Monument offers excellent hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

Bandelier’s history dates back more than 10,000 years. Nomadic hunters traversed the area; after that, the Ancient Puebloans made permanent dwelling structures, several of which are visible even today. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these historic dwellings. In addition, visitors explore the long and short walking trails.

Things to do at Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument Guided Tour

Guided tours are conducted from July to September on the Main Loop Trail. The ranger-led walk to the Tyuonyi Pueblo lets you learn about the history, culture, and fauna of the Bandelier National Monument. The tour lasts for about 1.5 hours and starts at the visitor center. During other times of the year, guided walks are also available, with schedules available at the visitor center.

Explore on Your Own – Main Loop Trail

The Bandelier National Monument Main Loop Trail is a short 1.2-mile loop that takes you past several archaeological sights and two cave dwellings. Visitors can climb ladders to explore the caves along the way. With 21 stops along the way, this makes for an exciting walk filled with the region’s history.

The Falls Trail

The Falls Trail is another enjoyable walk of 1.5 miles. The trail descends towards the Upper Falls and is one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Steep drop-offs at specific points during the path require visitors to be cautious on this route.

Burnt Mesa Trail

To enjoy the area’s flora, embark on the five-mile round trip Burnt Mesa Trail. It’s an easy trail to cover, and you can see summer wildflowers, birds, and butterflies in abundance.

Cerro Grande Trail

To check out the highest point of the park, take the Cerro Grande Trail that winds up to the Cerro Grande Peak. Covering a distance of 4.6 miles, the trail goes to an elevation of 1200 feet and passes mixed conifer forests. This trail is recommended for more experienced hikers.

Backcountry Hiking

If you are interested in a long, adventurous hike, opt for the trek through the backcountry of the Bandelier National Monument. While the entire area offers 70 miles of trails, the longer walks last for about 12 miles round trip and cover different park areas.

The Frijoles Canyon and Rim Trail is a popular 8-mile (one-way) hike from the visitor center, where you can enjoy expansive views of Northern New Mexico’s mountain ranges. Another option is a 12-mile day hike to Yapashi Pueblo. It’s a strenuous hike but worth it for the views.

Camping Juniper Family Campground

There are three different camping options in the Bandelier National Monument. Located by the Bandelier National Monument entrance is the Juniper Family Campground, ideal for smaller families. There are three loops in this campground, and reservations aren’t required as the campground is seldom complete. There are restrooms at each loop with running water.

Ponderosa Group Campground

Ponderosa Group Campground is six miles west of the park entrance. This is a popular campground with visitors, and reservations are required. This campground is ideal for groups of 10 people or more.

Bandelier Monument Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is recommended for seasoned campers, and permits are required. As the terrain is rough and unpredictable in certain areas, trail conditions must be considered before deciding to camp in the backcountry.

Getting to Bandelier Monument

There is a parking lot at the Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center; however, from mid-May to mid-October, a Shuttle runs from the White Rock Visitor Center located at 115 State Rd 4, White Rock, New Mexico. Bandelier Bandelier Monument is 100 miles northeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico, about a two-hour drive. Forty-three miles from Santa Fe, New Mexico, about a one-hour drive. The Park entrance fee is $25.00.

New Mexico Day Trip ideas

White Sands National Monument

Mesa Verde National Park