About Bandelier
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Southwest
- State
- New Mexico
- Designation
- National Monument
- Entrance fee
- $25, private vehicle
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Bandelier.
Entrance fees
- $25 Private Vehicle Pass 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.
- $20 Motorcycle
- $15 Per Person
Passes
- $45 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- Sunrise to Sunset
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.
Weather and when to go
Spring daytime temperatures in the 70's can be followed by a snow storm with wet heavy snow and daytime temperatures in the 40's. Summers are dry with June usually being the hottest month of the year. Days in July, August and September often end with thunderstorms that can drop heavy localized rain and are often accompanied by lightning. Autumn weather is usually sunny with blue skies and warm (but not hot) days and cool nights. Winter average snowfall 25". Snow and ice can close trails and roads.
Getting there
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.
Contact the park
- Address
- Bandelier National Monument, 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
- Phone
- (505) 672-3861
- Official site
- nps.gov/band
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Bandelier
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Bandelier
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Hike the Upper Falls Trail
Description of the Falls Trails.
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Hike the Tsankawi Loop Trail
Learn everything you need to know about hiking the Tsankawi Loop Trail.
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Picnicking at Bandelier
Bandelier provides multiple options for picnicking and other day-use activities.
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Long Trails
Description of Bandelier backcountry and links for longer trails
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The Frijolito Loop Trail
Find out about hiking the Frijolito Loop trail at Bandelier National Monument.
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Tyuonyi Overlook Trail
Learn about the Tyuonyi Overlook Trail, including roundtrip mileage and where to start the hike.
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Short Trails
Explore Bandelier's scenery and cultural heritage on its many short hiking trails.
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Explore the Yapashi Pueblo
Description of the Yapashi Pueblo and details about the hike.
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Hike the Main Pueblo Loop Trail
Summary, things to see, and maps of the famous Pueblo Loop Trail in Bandelier National Monument.
Campgrounds in Bandelier
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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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, fir…
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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.
What to pack for Bandelier
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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