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Bandelier National Monument
Rating Details »
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
15 Entrance RoadLos Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 672-3861
11 reviews for Bandelier National Monument
A big five.
This is worth the trip... and the drive from ABQ through the Jemez mountains was breathtaking.
We, sore from previous hikes, were only able to travel along the main path to, and up, the Alcove and part-way down the falls trail. This took roughly 3 hours... and I only wished we had more time and strength.
The paths are not too difficult... but they are definitely not boring! Climb all the way up the Alcove and down into the kiva... you'll be glad you did.
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Even with a torn ACL, I was able to slowly hike the main loop and the trail to "The Alcove". The people at the visitor's center informed me of a few short ladder kivas that I could manage. It was a breathtaking journey back in time -- reminded me of ruins in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. We saw petroglyphs, and the play of sun and shadow along the cliff dwellings were beautiful. We even saw people repairing some of the dwellings down below.
The Alcove was a major climb, so I waited for my husband to do it. It said it was vertigo inducing but absolutely worth it. I hope to return when my injury/surgery has healed.
Buy the guide book for more insight into the ruins and nature. And if you can't visit pueblos yourself, visit the Bandelier gift store for a peek into the art/pottery of the area or to pick up educational books.
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National monuments are not all created equal. Within the world of national monuments there's the A-list and luckily Bandelier National Monument falls within this classification. Thank goodness since I was cursing myself at having to pay the $12 entrance fee when I had an annual National Park pass sitting in my room back at home. But it was worth every bottom dollar.
The ancient cave dwellings are a fantastic alternative to the natural history museum. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, history and culture comes alive when you're climbing up ladders to cave dwellings and learning about life for the Indians who occupied this magical place. I'd highly recommend capping off your visit by going the extra half mile to the alcove dwelling. It's reachable via a series of 140 feet worth of ladders. The second and third ladders are particularly high, but every hair raising second spent on the ladders are worth it once you reach the top. The view of the gorge is stellar and if you're lucky enough to be the only ones at the top it's very quiet and a spiritual place.
I'd rate this a must stop layover on your trip to Santa Fe or Taos.
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I prefer to visit museums on vacation and my husband enjoys being outside and learning about history. Since I dragged him to a couple museums, it was only fair that I accompanied him to Bandelier.
This is a popular tourist area.
We paid $12 to get in and we saw on our receipt that the entry fee is good for one week. Camping here might not be a bad idea.
We hiked the main loop and which was not that strenuous. Seeing the cave dwellings was amazing. It's crazy to think that people lived here 1,000 years ago. We decided to do the hike back to the Long House. If you are afraid of heights, do not do this. You climb up a series of ladders. Going up wasn't that bad but going down was a little scary (see picture). But I saw a 5 year old do it so.....
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A remarkable National Monument and a hidden gem in the shadow of Los Alamos. We enjoyed the Main Loop trail and the lessons regarding this ancient civilization. I only wish we had more time to branch out into the less traveled areas of the park.
And while you're in this area, take a look at White Rock Park (amazing river views) and of course the Valle Grande.
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Europe has ancient cathedrals and town squares and in the US we have our amazing National Parks system. Bandelier NM is yet another excellent one to visit. Upon arrival we inhaled the sweet scent of ponderosa pines drifting through the air.
Within the visitor's center there is a small museum that we cruised through in 10 minutes and then we were out on the trails. I would allow 1.5 hours to do the Main Loop Trail (pick up a guidebook for the trail for $1 in the Visitor's Center first) although you might be able to get it done in an hour if you hurry. This trail goes through a site of excavated ruins on the canyon floor and then winds its way upwards a bit so that you can explore some of the cliff dwellings.
The scenery is fantastic as you walk along the trails. The Main Loop Trail isn't strenuous but you will have to squeeze your way through some tight spaces so if you describe yourself as "there's more to love" you might not be able to make it through. Also, there are some ladders to get into the cliff dwellings that aren't challenging but remember that you're at 6,000 ft. However, this mostly will just mean that you may have to take things a little slower than normal.
Keep an eye out for the "Interesting Insects" sign on the loop back to the visitor's center. We got a good chuckle out of the names of some of the bugs.
If, before going on the trails, you dropped your free guide in the urinal because it was tucked under your arm while you took a pee, they will happily give you another one if your date needs it for the scrapbook.
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A great spot for a day hike - beautiful in the winter...beware of altitude sickness!
An excellent outdoor museum. An incredibly preserved example of how some of our American ancestors lived. The altitude is high, so the ladder climbing will make you huff and puff a little. Plus, for me, I get vertigo. But the climb up the ladders was worth it. If you don't want to go up the ladders, there is still allot for you to see. It's well worth the trip.
It's also amazing to me how there are so many aspects of this place that are very similar to ancient ruins I've seen in the middle east. It's just amazing to me that what was made and how people lived, so long ago, can still be seen in some form by us, now.
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I got dragged through every wonder of the Southwest (man-made and not) as a child. This one stuck.
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The walk on the Main Loop Trail is really incredible to see. It would be a beautiful park even without the ruins. The only downside was how unbelievably stupid and thoughtless some people are - with signs everywhere about how the rock is fragile and breaks down and please don't touch it, there are people climbing on it. I wished I had more time to explore the park more - there are 9 miles of trails and ruins you can only see by backcountry hiking. Send the National Parks Conservation Association a contribution today and give thanks that we have the national parks system.
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I love that feeling of awe and wonder, and as I get older and older it seems rare. I got that here. What a cool place. I think I also must have been very fortunate to go on a day when it wasn't too busy. I must have only seen 100 people or so during my two hour visit. Good for kids and adults!