Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bandelier National Monument protects Ancestral Pueblo sites and a volcanic canyon landscape near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Begin in Frijoles Canyon for the Pueblo Loop Trail, then decide whether the ladders to Alcove House fit your abilities. Tsankawi is a separate unit with its own access hours, not another stop on the same canyon walk.

Ancestral homes and a canyon walk

• Pueblo Loop Trail: This 1.4-mile loop passes Tyuonyi, Long House, and other archaeological sites.
• Alcove House: Four wooden ladders and stone stairs reach a site 140 feet above the canyon floor.
• The Pajarito Plateau: The monument preserves volcanic terrain as well as the traces of people who built homes and farmed here.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Elevation, ladders, and changing weather

Frijoles Canyon is about 6,000 feet above sea level. Carry water, allow for the elevation, and choose a route that matches your abilities. Flash floods can occur in canyon bottoms during heavy rain, and winter trails may be icy. Do not climb the ladders if heights or the physical demands make them unsuitable; keep children accompanied.

Stay on designated routes

Follow trail and archaeological-site closures. Keep pets off trails and out of park facilities; leashed pets are allowed in Juniper Campground, the main parking lot, and Cottonwood Picnic Area. Service animals follow separate access rules. Do not feed wildlife or disturb cultural resources.

Campground bookings and backcountry permits

Most individual Juniper campsites can be reserved up to six months ahead, with some held for same-day first-come use. Group campsites at Juniper and Ponderosa require advance reservations. For overnight backcountry travel, arrange a free permit at least 24 hours before starting and collect it in person. Read the backcountry requirements, including approved bear-resistant food storage, before committing to a route.

Reach Frijoles Canyon rather than a remote trailhead

The main address is 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544. NPS warns that GPS can direct visitors to remote access points, so follow its written directions and transportation guidance. The published 2026 shuttle season ended October 14. During that service, shuttles operated between parking areas inside Bandelier and became mandatory when canyon parking lots filled. The service did not start at White Rock Visitor Center. Confirm the next season’s schedule before relying on a shuttle.

Arrange your return pickup before arriving by taxi or ride-hailing service. Limited canyon cell service may prevent arranging a ride out.

Nearby parks

• Valles Caldera National Preserve: Its main gate is on NM-4 toward Jemez Springs, beyond the turn for Bandelier.
• Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Los Alamos: The local visitor center is at 475 20th Street. Use the public downtown access rather than assuming laboratory sites are open.

Choose how far to walk

The Pueblo Loop Trail introduces the main archaeological sites without requiring the full Alcove House extension. At the junction, continuing to Alcove House adds a half-mile each way; the final ascent uses steep ladders and stairs. Check the sign at the ladder approach before climbing. Longer routes cross mesas and canyons, where current maps and trail information matter because older mapped trails may no longer be maintained.

Visitor services and realistic trail access

The visitor center is the starting point for current trail advice. Water-bottle filling stations are provided at the visitor center, Falls Trail, Cottonwood Overflow Parking Lot, and Frey Trail. The flatter first section of Pueblo Loop may suit some wheelchairs and strollers, but portions exceed accessibility standards and the full route includes stairs and drop-offs. Consult the park’s accessibility information for the features you need.

A landscape with continuing Pueblo connections

Homes carved into volcanic stone

Ancestral Pueblo people lived here approximately 1150–1550 CE, building with volcanic tuff and cultivating corn, beans, and squash. Their descendants maintain connections with these places. NPS identifies Cochiti Pueblo as closely connected with Frijoles Canyon and San Ildefonso Pueblo with Tsankawi.

Animals across the canyon and mesa habitats

Mule deer, Abert’s squirrels, lizards, and many birds live within the monument’s varied ecosystems. Some birds remain year-round, while others are seasonal or migrating. Keep observations at a distance, and store food so animals cannot obtain it.

Contact Bandelier

Call 505-672-3861, extension 0, for visitor information. The National Park Service manages the monument. Check the official fee page for current pass details before departure.