• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »
  • 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 »

  • 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.

Frey Trail

frey trail

The Frey Trail provides some spectacular views of Tyuonyi.

Photo by Sally King

Before the construction of the entrance road in the late 1930's, the Frey Trail ( 1.5 miles one way) was the main route to enter and exit Frijoles Canyon. The trail begins at Juniper Campground and makes its way to the edge of the canyon where it switchbacks down to the canyon floor (>550' elevation change). The trail provides excellent bird's eye views of Tyuonyi as well as a foot route from the campground to the visitor center. A somewhat strenuous trail at any time, it can be exceedingly difficult in summer as there is little shelter from the sun along the trail. Be sure and always carry plenty of water.

 
prickly pear
Blooming prickly pear cactus are a beautiful sight along this trail in early summer.  Flowers can range from bright yellow to peach to pink on this variable low-growing spiny cactus.
photo by sally king

Did You Know?

Katydid

Katydids are often called leaf hoppers. Their wings and body look like vegetation, a form of camouflage which offers this insect some protection from predators.