• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Access by Shuttle Bus Only

    Starting May 24, 2013 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a mandatory shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock from 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Private cars may drive in before 9 AM or after 3 PM. More »

  • Alcove House Closed

    Alcove House, with its 140 ft climb on stairs and ladders, is closed to all visitor access from June 10 to August 22, 2013 while important stabalization work is done on the Alcove House kiva. More »

  • Fire Restrictions in Place

    Due to high fire danger, starting June 5, 2013, smoking will be allowed only in designated areas. No open fires will be allowed anywhere in the park. Self-contained stoves only at the campground or backcountry camping. No fireworks.

Basalt

basalt axe
Basalt was used to make tools, such as axe heads, hoes, and corn grinders.

The Rock
Basalt is a very hard, dense, black volcanic rock that forms when lava oozes to the surface and cools. Basalt underlies the tuff cliffs and is exposed in the lower canyons of the park.

The Uses
Basalt was used to make tools, such as axe heads, hoes, and corn grinders. Because Bandelier’s basalt is very fine grained, it was also used to make cutting, piercing, and scraping tools.

Did You Know?

Aspen fall color

All the aspens in a cluster will change colors at approximately the same time. That's because in a grouping of aspens, most are clones that grew as root sprouts from the original plant.