If you’re thinking about traveling to New Mexico, I have just the place you need to see! Keep reading to learn more information and my trusted tips for visiting Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, the land of enchantment! I truly cannot believe that more people aren’t talking about this unique place!
What is Bandelier National Monument?
Bandelier National Monument is a designated area in the state of New Mexico that preserves the homes and territory of the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in the area from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The monument was designated in 1916 and named after Adolph Bandelier, a Swiss anthropologist who researched the cultures of the area and advocated for the preservation of these archaeological sites. The monument spans over 33,000 acres and contains a concentration of archaeological sites, including the remains of dwellings, petroglyphs, and kivas.
Favorite Hikes With Kids
We explored this park for the majority of the day. We stopped at different viewpoints and overlooks, hiked along canyon walls, climbed ladders to explore the dwellings, and walked along the most serene trails under a canopy of fall leaves. My boys truly loved this destination because it was so unique and what kid doesn’t love to climb and explore rock formations! The BEST part about this destination is that you are free to explore completely on your own without a guided tour! I would allow one full day here, I don’t really think more time is needed.
Pueblo Loop Trail
We started on the trail right behind the Visitor Center, the Pueblo Loop Trail. Here, you can walk a paved path along the Frijole Canyon walls to the first set of dwellings. There are a few ladders in this area that lead up and inside the dwellings, most were big enough to fit our family of four at one time. I loved that we were able to explore this site without being on a guided tour! This trail is about 1.5 miles, is rated as easy, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. I recommend this trail if you have limited time in the park and want to see the best sites!
Alcove House Trail
If you continue along the Pueblo Loop Trail, you will eventually come to a sign directing you to either go right to the Alcove House or left back to the Visitor Center. The Alcove House was on my list to see, so we continued on to the site. On this 2.5 mile trail, you will walk along a wide, dirt path through a covering of trees and lots of opportunities for photos. We visited in the fall and it was the perfect time with leaves changing colors!
Finally, you will come to a bridge and once you cross it, you begin to see the Alcove House and the four ladders required to climb up to it.
There is a warning here about the climb. So, if you are afraid of heights or have any health issues, it’s not recommended. My family had no problem making the climb up or down, the boys are 13 and 9 now so it was fairly easy for them. We did see much younger children making the climb too, with help from their parents.
Jr. Ranger Program
My youngest participated in the Jr. Ranger Program. If you are not familiar with this, kids can complete a few pages of an activity book related to the Park or Monument you’re visiting. The activities are based on age/grade level. All you have to do is request one at the Visitor Center from a Park Ranger. Once the activities are complete, you return the book to a Park Ranger, they will review it, and then swear your child in as a Jr. Ranger. A badge representing the Park or Monument is given once you’ve been sworn in as a Jr. Ranger! It’s a really cool opportunity for kids to learn more about the destination you’re visiting and to promise to always protect our lands. The Jr. Ranger Program at Bandelier was really neat and had certain areas marked on the trail for us to learn more about and work on. It was really easy to complete during our visit and Jake was so proud of his badge!
Restaurant
Sirphey at Bandelier is a seasonal restaurant on site at the Monument. It is right next to the Visitor Center by the Pueblo Loop Trailhead parking lot. It was a nice place to grab a late lunch once we finished out hikes. It’s open daily from 10 am until 3:30 pm, but closes for the winter season. The restaurant has green chili burgers, chicken tenders, salads, and even adult beverages! I had a sangria and it was very tasty!
Tips for Visiting Bandelier National Monument
My best tips for visiting Bandelier National Monument are included below:
- Arrive early before the parking lot fills up. We arrived around 9:00 am and had no trouble finding a spot. When we finished our day of exploring around 3:00 pm, the lot was completely full and there were cars just waiting for people to leave.
- Bring water & snacks, especially if you’re hiking with kids.
- Hikes – be sure to hike the Pueblo Loop Trail and if you’re more adventurous go see the Alcove House!
- Pack the camera/phone. The landscape is gorgeous and there are many places for photographic opportunities.
- Jr. Ranger Program – if you have kids, check it out!
- Pack your Patience. Everyone is excited to explore, so remember to be kind while waiting for others to climb ladders or have their time in the cliff dwellings.
- Most importantly, do your part to help preserve this amazing area for future generations to continue to enjoy!
Bandelier National Monument Information
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm
- Physical Address: 15 Entrance RD, Los Alamos 87544
- Phone Number: 505 672-3861 x0
- Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Christmas Day)
- Fees: Private Vehicle $25
Where to Stay
For us, we opted to stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder Casino Resort. We enjoyed the various dining options right at the hotel. We visited over Thanksgiving Break, so it was nice when we had one night of cold, rainy weather and didn’t have to leave for dinner. Plus, we were able to explore all that Santa Fe has to offer at the same time!
If you’re just visiting my site, thank you for taking the time to read all of my tips for visiting Bandelier National Monument! I hope you found the information helpful. Be sure to follow the blog for more adventures, tips, recommendations, and itineraries. Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that 2024 brings you peace, happiness, and amazing travels.
