Bandelier National Monument - Frijolito Loop Trail (U.S. National Park Service)

Photo by Sally King

Frijolito Loop Trail passes through the Pinon-Juniper woodland and offers expansive views of the surrounding area.

OPEN

Frijolito Loop Trail begins in Cottonwood Picnic Area, just across the bridge from the visitor center. The trail climbs out of Frijoles Canyon via a steep switchback path, crosses the mesa past an unexcavated archeological site (Frijolito Pueblo) and then drops back into Frijoles Canyon on the Long Trail. Total distance is 2.5 miles. This trail is fairly strenuous and can be extremely icy in winter. There is no water available anywhere on this route.

NPS Photo by Sally King

Birds like the Mountain Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher are common in the Pinon-Juniper woodland.

photo by sally king

Tarantulas are commonly seen on the Frijolito Loop Trail in autumn, especially October, when males are searching for a mate.

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