• 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.

Cacti and Other Succulents

blooming cactus

Some cactus bloom with brilliantly colored flowers.

NPS Photo by Sally King

Although in general appearance cactus seem all thorns, when they bloom, what a beautiful sight. Claretcup cactus with their red-orange flowers, Prickly pear with its yellow or sometimes pink blossoms, and Cane Cholla with their hot pink flowers are eye-catching indeed. Many of these succulents were also important to the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Did You Know?

Mule Deer Fawn

Mule deer fawns only keep their spots for the first several months of life. These spots provide camouflage for the young animals when their mothers must leave them to feed.