National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Bandelier National MonumentPhoto of Duchess' Castle, with north mesa in background
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Bandelier National Monument
Tyuonyi Overlook Trail
bestfrijolescanyonoverview
NPS Photo by Sally King
The view from Tyuonyi Overlook includes the entire southern section of Frijoles Canyon and Tyuonyi Pueblo.
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
NPS Photo by Sally King
Alligator Junipers get their name from their segmented bark that looks like an alligator's back.
Aspen fall color  

Did You Know?
All the aspens in a cluster will change colors at approximately the same time. That's because in a grouping of aspens, most are clones that grew as root sprouts from the original plant.

Last Updated: November 04, 2007 at 10:25 EST