• 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 To Close

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

Obsidian

obsidian quarry

High quality obsidian was found and quarried just a short distance from Frijoles Canyon.

photo by sally king

The Rock
Obsidian is the result of volcanic lava cooling rapidly when in contact with air or water, producing a dark glassy rock. It can be chipped to create very sharp edges. Deposits of obsidian are found on the northwest edge of the park and elsewhere in the Jemez Mountains.

The Uses
Obsidian is very hard and brittle. Since it can be chipped to create sharp edges, it was important for making hunting points and cutting tools. Because it was readily available from the Jemez Mountains, it was an important trade item.

Did You Know?

Upper Falls

Frijoles Creek drops approximately 80 feet over the Upper Falls.  The falls occur where the waters of Frijoles Creek hit the more resistant, dense basalt rock from the neck of an ancient volcano.