Located just outside of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country, as well as evidence of a human presence that dates back over 11,000 years. The Main Loop Trail will lead you through the twenty-one different archaeological sites including the Big Kiva, Tyuonyi, Talus House, and Long House. Other short trails include Alcove House, Tsankawi, Falls Trail, Frey Trail, Frijolito Loop Trail, Tyuonyi Overlook Trail, Burnt Mesa Trail, Cerro Grande Route, and Alamo Boundary Trail. Longer hiking trails include Frijoles Rim and Canyon Trail, Yapahsi Pueblo, and Painted Cave.
Bandelier was established as a National Monument on February 11, 1916, and was named in honor of anthropologist Adolph Bandelier. It is home to the Bandelier Wilderness and is bordered by the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Santa Fe National Forest, Dome Wilderness, and Los Alamos National Lab. The Visitor Center has a great museum, which is worth visiting before taking any of the trails. The Cottonwood Picnic Area is a shaded and tranquil spot that allows one to soak up all the history and natural beauty of the park. Note, during the summer, except for a few exemptions, you can only access the park by shuttle bus.
For more information call the park at (505) 672-3861 or visit https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm
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