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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 »
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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 »
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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.
June
Wildflowers are plentiful throughout the park in June. photo by sally king June is more often than not the hottest and driest month of the year. When hiking, be sure to carry plenty of water. Trails are normally ice-free throughout the park. Although possible, snow is very unlikely. Interpretive Evening Programs are given every Friday and Saturday night at Juniper Campground. Nightwalks are given one night a week. There are two sessions of Daycamp for Kids. Bird nesting is in full swing and numerous wildflowers are blooming including the gorgeous Cane Cholla near Long House and Shooting Stars in the higher elevations. Visitation starts out slow but becomes heavy by mid-month. A wait for parking is possible. 
A wide variety of butterflies are plentiful in the area now. photo by sally king June has been warm, dry, and windy. As a result most of the park will close on June 24th until the extreme fire danger decreases. The visitor center, Main Loop Trail, Juniper Campground, trail at Tsankawi section, and the picnic area near the visitor center will remain open. Dry weather has limited the number and variety of flowers blooming in the park. Summer birds have returned and are nesting in the park. The Frijoles Canyon bear family has broken up. Mom bear chased off her two nearly grown cubs in late May. One cub unfortunately perished in an accident but the other cub has been spotted exploring the area on its own. Mom bear has been seen up canyon. Remember, whenever you encounter wildlife always keep your distance. Never feed wildlife. It is important for your safety and theirs. Visitation has been busy on weekends and steady during the week. Nightwalks are given each Wednesday night. Reservations are required. Evening programs are given on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. 
Flowers that bloom in June must tolerate hot and dry weather. photo by sally king Prickly Pear Cactus Greenthread Golden Aster Fleabane Gallardia Hidden Flower 
Mountain Bluebirds are just one of many types of birds raising their young in the park now. photo by sally king Black Bear Mountain Lion Bobcat Numerous nesting birds with chicks Baby Robins already out of the nest Butterflies, many kinds including numerous Tiger Swallowtails, Western Pygmy Blues, and Acmon Blues 
Short-horned lizards and Common Nighthawks are two common park residents that are rarely seen due to their excellent camouflage.
photo by sally king
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Did You Know?
Baby birds often leave the nest before they can really fly. That's because the nest is the most dangerous place for the young bird to stay.