Bandelier National Monument

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At Bandelier National Monument, one of the National Park Service’s oldest sites (1916), you will find Ancestral Pueblo dwellings scattered across a landscape of broad mesas and steep-walled canyons that provide habitat for a diversity of plant and animal life.

The main loop trail (1.2 mile loop) in Frijoles Canyon provides easy access (partially handicapped accessible) to the remains of these ancient homes. Like past inhabitants, you can climb ladders into several of the small carved rooms (caveats). A more challenging climb can be found at Alcove House where Ancestral Pueblo people built homes in a natural recess in the cliff face. Four ladders and a number of stone stairs are required to make the 140-foot ascent.

Although best known for archeological sites, Bandelier also includes 23,000 acres of designated wilderness. Over 70 miles of trails vary in difficulty from easy footpaths good for the whole family to more challenging ones best for experienced hikers. Permits for overnight stays in Bandelier’s backcountry are available at the Bandelier Visitor Center. There are 57 camp sites at Juniper campground (can accommodate RVs, but not hookups). The Ponderosa Group Campground can accommodate groups up to 50.

Summer Visits

Summer weather in Bandelier is hot and dry in June then afternoon thunderstorms crop up in July and August. Bring plenty of water when hiking as well as a hat and sunscreen. Biting insects are uncommon so bug spray is not usually required. In late summer (July, August, and September) it is wise to begin a long hike early in the day before storms develop in the afternoon with heavy downpours, hail, and dangerous lightning. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding in all the park canyons.

Seasonal Shuttle Service

Starting March 19, 2026, Bandelier National Monument offers a free shuttle service inside the park starting at 10:30 a.m. between the Frey Trail Parking Lot and the Bandelier Visitor Center. Shuttle use is only required when canyon parking is full and is only available on select dates. The shuttle is free, but park entry fees still apply based on your vehicle. Entry is free to the park with an America the Beautiful or Bandelier pass.

View 2026 Shuttle Dates & Times

Additional Info

For more information about Bandelier National Monument, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 0. If you're looking for additional activities in the area, be sure to stop by the White Rock Visitor Center!

Visit Bandelier NPS Website

Directions from Los Alamos

30 minutes each way

  • Take Diamond Drive towards Los Alamos National Laboratory, passing Los Alamos Medical Center. Cross Otowi Bridge and bear right.
  • After passing the light, continue towards the Laboratory Vehicle Access Portal. Take any lane indicated by the a green arrow. You don’t have to stop at the booth unless the country is at high alert.
  • Continue up Hwy 501, through Los Alamos National Laboratory.
  • At the next stop sign, turn left onto New Mexico 4, following the sign towards Bandelier National Monument.
  • Bandelier’s entrance is on your right.

Directions from Santa Fe

1 hour each way

  • Take Saint Francis Drive (HWY 84/285) north toward Los Alamos.
  • After passing Pojoaque, merge right onto New Mexico 502 to Los Alamos.
  • Continue up 502 toward Los Alamos. Bear right and exit onto New Mexico 4 towards White Rock. Continue for 12 miles, passing White Rock.
  • Bandelier’s entrance is on your left.

Directions from Taos

1.5 hours each way

  • Take New Mexico 68 (Paseo del Pueblo Sur) south for 47 miles.
  • In Espanola, turn right onto Fairway. Left at next stoplight on Hwy 84/285.
  • At stoplight near Ford Dealership turn right on Hwy 30. Follow 30 through Santa Clara Pueblo to junction with Hwy 502. Merge right onto 502 toward Los Alamos.
  • Bear right and exit onto New Mexico 4 towards White Rock. Continue for 12 miles, passing White Rock.
  • Bandelier’s entrance is on the left.

Directions from Albuquerque

Approximately 2 hours each way

  • Take I-25 north towards Santa Fe for approx 45 miles.
  • Take exit for US599 to avoid Santa Fe traffic (otherwise continue to exit for 84/285 and follow directions from Santa Fe). Continue for 13 miles.
  • Bear left to merge onto U.S. 84/285 towards Los Alamos.
  • After passing Pojoaque, merge right onto New Mexico 502 to Los Alamos.
  • At the top of a big uphill climb bear right onto New Mexico 4 towards White Rock. Continue for 12 miles, passing White Rock.
  • Bandelier’s entrance is on the left.

Hours

Park Hours
Dawn to Dusk, except Christmas or during heavy snow or other emergencies.

 

Frijoles Canyon Visitor Center
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Admission

$25 Private Vehicle
$20 Motorcycle
$15 Per Person

 

Annual Pass
$45

 

America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes)
Free - $80

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