• 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.

Picnicking in Bandelier

Abert's squirrel

Please don't feed the wildlife, no matter how cute they are.

Photo by Sally King

Cottonwood Picnic Area
Cottonwood Picnic Area is located just across Frijoles Creek from the visitor center in Frijoles Canyon. Situated next to the creek, the picnic area is nicely shaded. Watch for wildlife and don't feed the beggar squirrels. Each picnic spot boasts a picnic table or two, bear-proof trash bins are scattered in the area. Fires and barbeque grills are not permitted. Self-contained stoves are allowed. Pets may be in the picnic area but must be kept on a leash. Each picnic spot has a parking space, however, this area is also used for overflow parking from the main parking lot.

Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground is open to picnicking until 4:00 PM daily, after that a overnight camping fee will be charged. This area is located on the mesatop within the Pinon-Juniper woodland and can be reached by turning right at the first road past the park entrance station. Picnickers should pick a spot not already occupied by campers. Fires are permitted in the grate provided. Each campground spot has a picnic table, barbeque grill, and a parking space.

Did You Know?

Queen butterfly

Queen butterflies are often mistaken for Monarchs because they look so much alike. This is beneficial to the Queen, who is avoided by predators who fear this look-alike may be as toxic as the Monarch.