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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 »
Identification of Bandelier Reptiles - Lizards and Skinks
Photo by Sally King SHORT-HORNED LIZARD (Phrynosoma douglassi) 
Photo by Sally King Very common in all but the highest elevations of the park. Multicolored backs with blue throats and flanks that increase in intensity during mating season (late spring - early summer). Can be seen basking in the sun on the walls of archeological sites or trail walls. Do something that looks like pushups when they feel threatened. 
Photo by Sally King Uncommon but can be seen on the Main Loop Trail. Look similar to a lizard but have smaller legs and movement is undulating. Often found in areas where moisture collects like at base of walls or near the creek. Young skinks don't look at all like their parents. They are jet black with bright blue tails and a row of white spots on their chins. 
Photo by Sally King Somewhat common in the Pinon-Juniper Woodland especially in wetter canyon areas. Notable black collar distinguishes them from other lizards. 
Photo by Sally King Common in all but the highest elevations of the park. Differentiated from other whiptails by the combination of stripes and spots. 
Photo by Sally King Common in all but the highest elevation of the park. Differentiated from other whiptails by having only stripes, no spots or broken lines. |
Did You Know?
Scorpionweed gets its name from the shape of the flowers, which unfold like a scorpion's tail as they prepare to bloom.