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Bandelier National Monument Cavate with ladder on Main Loop Trail
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An Open Book of Human History

Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence here going back over 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to a the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.
 
talus-house-3

Visiting Bandelier

Visitor Center Hours: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Canyon Hours: Dawn to Dusk

On snowy winter days you may want to call the visitor center (505-672-3861 x 517) before leaving for the park. Winter weather can delay the park opening or keep it closed for the day.

STILL CLOSED
Falls Trail below Upper Falls
Alcove House ladders (expected reopening 3/1/12)

Visitor Center (temp visitor center available, no movie or exhibits)

The Las Conchas Fire burned over 156,000 acres during the summer of 2011. Over 60% of Bandelier's landscape was within the fire's footprint. Deforestation of upper canyons lead to massive flash flood events. Anyone planning to hike into Bandelier's backcountry should be aware of the increased hazards after fire/flash flood events. Falling trees, burned out stump holes, missing or eroded trails, and changed landmarks are just some of the dangers. A permit is required for any overnight stays in the backcountry. Please go to the visitor center before attempting any long hikes. Learn more about the effects of Las Conchas Fire on Bandelier.

Monthly Park Updates

Find out about Jobs at Bandelier.

 
A pastel drawing of the historic Visitor Center by artist Helmut Naumer.

The People of Bandelier

Bandelier has a long human history and links to the modern Pueblos. Traditions which began in the distant past are still practiced today. At Bandelier, evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people can be found in the dwellings, artifacts, and continuing culture of the modern pueblos. Early Spanish settlers, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), and  the National Park Service also left their mark on the local landscape. more...

Click here to see the park's extensive museum collections.

 
Ranger with Kids

Especially For Teachers

Education is a primary function of the National Park Service. Bandelier is hard at work developing lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc. that can be used on a field trip to the park or in the classroom. With a diversity of natural and cultural resources, the park is an excellent setting for teaching in person or via the web.

Resources for teachers...

 

For More Information About Bandelier Visit Us On These Social Networks:

Facebook
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Flicker

And visit our new Ranger Blog

 

Write to

Superintendent
Bandelier National Monument  15 Entrance Road
Los Alamos, NM 87544

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Center
(505) 672-3861 ext. 517

Fax

(505) 672-9607

Climate

New Mexico has a mild, semi-arid climate characterized by abundant sunshine. The summer monsoon season usually brings brief but exciting thundershowers in late afternoon, while winter snowstorms alternate with long stretches of sunny, cloudless days. In the Bandelier area, temperatures range from summer highs in the mid-90s to winter lows in the 0s.
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Last Updated: February 05, 2012 at 10:46 MST

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