Bandelier National Monument — Attraction in Los Alamos

I feel bad with all of the 5 star reviews but our experience was not 5 star the first day. There was very little information on the website about camping and the trails. We did not find any information about trail length or difficulty. Very little information online for those who might be physically challenged. It did not tell us that the campsite was at the top and the visitors center at the bottom of the canyon, not really within walking or biking distance for those camping in a motorhome with no other transportation. It would be nice if there was at least minimal bus run during spring. When we arrived at 11am parking was full so we were only allowed to go to the campground to find a site, no access to the visitors center. We were given no information at all at the entrance booth. They did not even tell us the credit only payment kiosk was out of order and that we would need to pay at the visiters center. We had no idea how far it was to the visitors center and how long we had to accomplish paying for our site. We waited until after 2pm, as recommended online, to go to the visitors center to pay. At that time of day the easy loop trail and dwellings are in full sun and hot. There was still only limited information about the trails and the best information was in the $2 loop trail guide. The ranger who helped us pay for our campsite was niether friendly or helpful. Day 2 was better. We packed up and drove down to the valley at 8am and parked our small motorhome in a nice shaded spot in the picnic area. We walked the nature trail from the end of the picnic area to the Alcove house, a beautiful walk even if you do not climb up to Alcove house. We walked back down staying to the left and hit the loop trail to the Long House. An easy incline from this end with a bench to rest at the top. The trail beside the Long House is flat and you can see everything here, ruins, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Well worth the effort and just a few stairs to go down at the end. You can then choose which of the 3 trails you want take back to the visitors center. I did not climb the loop trail up to the higher cliff dwellings. We were finished by 10:30am, before the sun hit the trail and before it became crowded. We had a nice meal at the cafe and my husband headed out to hike some of the...

Grandeur, history, and hiking—well worth the visit! We were delighted to discover Bandelier National Monument as a multi-dimensional experience, just one-hour drive between Santa Fe and the park. The drive alone was well worth the trip with breathtaking views and light traffic both ways. The main attraction of the park starts at the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center which is several miles from the entry, at the end of a winding road that descends to the floor of a canyon. The visitor’s center is a great facility with ranger programs, displays, food and drink, bathrooms, and good parking. We encountered plenty of other visitors on our visit, but we never felt crowded, although we did encounter short lines to enter some of the cavates (small human-carved alcoves in the wall of the ravine) along the Main Loop Trail. I think of our experience in a few dimensions. First, the hike through the ravine itself was beautiful and interesting, with sweeping views, picturesque rock formations, birds, trees and foliage, and a creek running through the center (with dramatic indications of past flooding). We also had a little snow (November) which only added to the beauty of the ravine’s scenery. Second, the remains of centuries of human settlements were fascinating. Once you experience the ravine and the unique rock formations, you can imagine life among beauty and security of place. Third, the hiking is great exercise with good paths, great views, and a good range of difficulty from easy to intermediate/strenuous—something for everyone. We chose to hike the easy Main Loop Trail and the more heart-pumping Frey Trail (500+ climb out of the canyon and across the plateau among the junipers). We spent 2 hours driving to/from the park and about 4 hours in the park. On our November visit, temperatures ranged from wear-a-coat cold to hot and exposure from shade to sunny, making clothing and hydration strategies important. TIP: I’d recommend visitors wear a hat, good walking/hiking shoes, sunscreen, and layered clothing and carry a small pack with water and a snack. All in all, I’d rate Bandelier National Monument as a perfect day trip from Santa Fe if you’re looking for an off the beaten path gem for a picturesque, fascinating, and...

At $25 for a vehicle, one might think the entrance fee for here is a bit steep. While that was my initial impression, I ultimately came away feeling it was worthwhile.

Driving further into the park, you'll see a turn-off for some camping, as well as a viewpoint a little further on that offers a beautiful view of the canyon that you'll later drive down into and explore.

Just pass the visitor centre is where you'll find different trails and walks you can take through the area. At the Visitors' Centre, you'll find some exhibits that talk about the history of the area and provide some context to some of the different sites you'll come across as you explore further.

If you don't want to spend too long here, the Main Loop is where you'll want to head. This will take you up to the side of the cliffs and give you the opportunity to actually climb up into the dwellings that the Native peoples of this area had made into the rock. They're very interesting to see, and you'll simultaneously be made privy to some more gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery as you make your way higher.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, I'd recommend you continue on past the Main loop to the Alcove House, a cave dwelling that you can reach by climbing up a series of ladders that take you up about 140 feet. The ladders are very sturdy and safe, but proceed at your own caution, particularly if you're not fond of heights. Remember - you have to make your way back down, too!

On busy days, the different ladder areas can get a bit congested with visitors, so be prepared to wait a bit.

Really glad I stopped by here, and I'd recommend others...