• 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.

Falls Trail

upper falls
Upper Falls
Photo by Sally King

The Falls Trail starts at the end of the Backpacker's Parking Lot near the visitor center. The trail descends 400 vertical feet in its 1.5 mile length to the Upper Falls. A beautiful trail in any season, this trail is not cleared of snow in the winter and can be extremely icy. There are steep dropoffs along the trail and board bridges across the creek. Keep children close at all times and watch for wildlife. Take plenty of water. Water from the creek should not be drank without first treating it.

THIS TRAIL IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIRS OR STROLLERS.

The Falls Trail used to lead another mile past Upper Falls to the Rio Grande. A major flash flood event in August, 2011 destroyed a portion of the trail leaving no safe access to areas beyond Upper Falls. This area will be closed to all access.

 
damaged trail
The Falls Trail terminates at the Upper Falls.  The lower trail was destroyed by a flash flood event in August, 2011.
Photo by Sally King
 
upper falls before after
The flood event on August 21, 2011 scoured most of the vegetation from the base of Upper Falls.
photo by sally king
 
lower falls before after
Lower Falls was changed even more drastically by the flood event.  No vegetation remains and huge boulders were swept away.
Photos by sally king

Did You Know?

Scorpionweed blooms

Scorpionweed gets its name from the shape of the flowers, which unfold like a scorpion's tail as they prepare to bloom.