Entrance Fee
$25.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
Sunrise to Sunset
Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful canyon and mesa country. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Upper Falls Trail
Description of the Falls Trails.
Hike the Tsankawi Loop Trail
Learn everything you need to know about hiking the Tsankawi Loop Trail.
Picnicking at Bandelier
Bandelier provides multiple options for picnicking and other day-use activities.
Camping at Bandelier
Camping and campground information for Bandelier National Monument.
Long Trails
Description of Bandelier backcountry and links for longer trails
The Frijolito Loop Trail
Find out about hiking the Frijolito Loop trail at Bandelier National Monument.
Self-Guided Tours
Guided Tour to the Pueblo Loop Trail and Alcove House
The Pueblo Loop Trail is 1.4 miles roundtrip and takes visitors to some of the best Ancestral Pueblo sites in the park. Alcove House is an extra mile roundtrip out and back that can be added to the Pueblo Loop Trail and allows visitors to climb 140 feet of ladders and stairs into a site in a natural alcove above Frijoles Canyon.
Tsankawi Guided Tour
Tsankawi is located approximately 12 miles from the main section of Bandelier National Monument. The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and takes several hours. Ladders are part of this trail and can not be avoided if you want to do the entire loop trail. The trail is very exposed to the elements. Water, sunscreen, and a good hat are highly recommended.
Falls Trail Tour
Explore the unique geology, flora, and fauna of Bandelier as you walk 1.5 miles (one way) to an overlook where you can see Upper Falls, Frijoles Creek, and the Rio Grande.
Visitor Centers
Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center
The Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center is located in Frijoles Canyon.
Where to Stay
Juniper Family Campground
Three (3) loops, 52 site campground near the entrance to the monument. Two (2) sites for small groups up to 20 people. Abert's Squirrel Loop is first come, first serve only. Black Bear and Coyote Loops are available through reservation only. They can be reserved online at Recreation.gov.
Ponderosa Group Campground
Ponderosa group campground is open year round, with water available May - October only. Site is available by reservation only through Recreation.gov.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
From NM285 US84 in Pojaque NM. West on NM502, West on NM4 to White rock. Then 12 miles to the monument entrance on the south side of the road. Bandelier is in a remote location, with cell service in the canyon limited to Verizon 4G only. Services like Uber and Lyft will bring you here, but there may be no way to contact a ride out. Please plan your pickup before being dropped off at Bandelier.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Cottonwood Overflow Parking Lot
Overflow parking for when the main parking lot is full, or for overnight backcountry hikers.
Open in MapsFrey Trail Parking Lot
Parking lot provides access to the Frey Trail, Tyuonyi Overlook Trail, and Ampitheater.
Open in MapsVisitor Center Parking Lot
Parking lot nearest visitor center and providing access to main park attractions.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
From NM285 US84 in Pojaque NM. West on NM502, West on NM4 to White rock. Then 12 miles to the monument entrance on the south side of the road. Bandelier is in a remote location, with cell service in the canyon limited to Verizon 4G only. Services like Uber and Lyft will bring you here, but there may be no way to contact a ride out. Please plan your pickup before being dropped off at Bandelier.
Park Amenities
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Pass covers all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car, truck, camper, or van up to 15 passengers). Auto passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen. Entrance passes do not cover camping fees.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Pass covers per person entrance fee for those 16 years of age and older traveling on foot or by bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a 16 passenger or greater vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Individual passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Valid for one year from month of purchase. Admits passholder and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder plus up to 3 other people when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle). Non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen.
Operating Hours
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is open every day from dawn to dusk unless impacted by severe weather or noted for specific holidays. The hours of dawn and dusk vary throughout the year so please come prepared knowing when you may have to exit the canyon. Visitors holding an overnight backcountry permit are allowed to be in the park after these hours following the guidance of their permit. The Juniper and Ponderosa campgrounds are open 24hrs.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
Photos
Tyuonyi from a cavate
archeological sites in Frijoles Canyon
a view of Frijoles Canyon from the rim
a view of the Valles Caldera from Cerro Grande
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Bandelier National Monument
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