• 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.

Tyuonyi Overlook Trail

bestfrijolescanyonoverview

The view from Tyuonyi Overlook includes the entire southern section of Frijoles Canyon and Tyuonyi Pueblo.

NPS Photo by Sally King

The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail begins at Juniper Campground and crosses the mesa to an amazing overlook of Frijoles Canyon and Tyuonyi Pueblo. The 2.2 mile round-trip trail is relatively level but prone to be dusty or muddy depending on the season. This trail is an excellent place to see the common plants of the Pinon-Juniper woodland and some even less common ones like Alligator Juniper. The trail passes a number of archeological sites. Please don't climb on the walls or remove artifacts.
 
alligator juniper bark
Alligator Junipers get their name from their segmented bark that looks like an alligator's back.
NPS Photo by Sally King
 
short horned lizard 2
Watch closely while hiking Tyuonyi Overlook Trail to see short horned lizards.
photo by sally king

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.