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Bandelier National MonumentPhoto of Duchess' Castle, with north mesa in background
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Bandelier National Monument
Getting Around
mule deer

NPS Photo by Sally King

Winter snows can make travel difficult even for the local wildlife like this mule deer.

A paved road leads from the entrance to the campground, Visitor Center, and a picnic area. Access to the archeological sites is by foot. The main trail is 1.2 miles round-trip. Portions of the trail are relatively flat and permit access by wheelchair. Other parts include stairs and a chance to climb ladders into cavates. An additional mile round-trip walk leads to Alcove House which is reached by climbing 4 ladders and a number of stone stairs. Winter weather can limit what areas can be visited.  Approximately 70 miles of backcountry trails are available for day or overnight foot travel (wilderness permit required for overnight use; available at visitor center).
Dog Petroglyph from Long House  

Did You Know?
The Ancestral Pueblo people carved petroglyphs into the soft tuff rock above many of the dwellings built along the cliffs.

Last Updated: January 13, 2007 at 18:25 EST