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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 »
Weather
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The weather at Bandelier is quite variable from season to season and year to year. 
Bluebells can be found along the main loop trail. NPS Photo by Sally King Spring Spring is probably the most unpredictable season of the year. A day with clear blue skies and daytime temperatures in the 70's can be followed by a snow storm with wet heavy snow and daytime temperatures in the 40's. Even so, spring is a beautiful time to visit as it marks the start of the wildflower season and the return of many migratory species of birds. 
Thunderstorms can drop large amounts of rain and produce dangerous lightning. NPS Photo by Sally King Summer Summers start out warm and dry with June usually being the hottest month of the year. Days in July, August and September often end with thunderstorms that can drop heavy localized rain and are often accompanied by lightning. One should be aware of this when hiking as storms can come up very quickly, sometimes with little warning. 
Aspens provide wonderful color in the higher elevations. NPS Photo by Sally King Autumn Many people would say that autumn is the most beautiful season. The weather is usually sunny with turquoise blue skies and warm (but not hot) days and cool nights. An early snow can bring a quick end to fall as early as late September. A normal first snowfall in the area is around Halloween. 
Snow blankets the landscape with the San Miguel Mountains, on the western border of the park, in the background. NPS Photo by Sally King Winter Winter brings with it blankets of snow. Average yearly snowfall at the visitor center is 25". Snow and ice can close trails and the ladders to Alcove House so call the visitor center to get details. Although winter weather can make access to some sites difficult, snow can add a beauty all its own to the scenery.
Click here for the local weather forecast from Weather.com.
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Did You Know?
Pinon nuts are rich in vitamins, flavor, and calories (3,000 per pound). Although produced in abundance only every 7 to 10 years, these nuts were a valuable native food source for the Ancestral Pueblo people. More...