News Release

Bandelier Expects Crowded Conditions Now Through Mid-October

A variety of vehicles fill the parking lot near Bandelier's visitor center.

NPS

News Release Date: September 27, 2021

Contact: Joanie Budzileni, 505-672-3861 x 1501

Los Alamos, NM – With the increase in visitor numbers to Bandelier National Monument this summer, park staff are predicting that visitation will surge during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 2-10, 2021. There will be a free shuttle from White Rock into Frijoles Canyon available on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9am-5pm. Use of the shuttle is highly recommended. If you arrive when the park is at capacity, you may be directed back to White Rock to pick up the shuttle or to visit other areas of the park. Parking frequently fills in the busiest area of the monument – Frijoles Canyon; vehicles have been turned away several times this summer. Bandelier is a favorite destination for many balloon fiesta goers. The park is open sunrise to sunset every day and the public is encouraged to visit before 10 am or after 3pm to avoid crowded parking lots and trails. Why not arrive early and enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter wait times to climb one of the ladders on the very popular, 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail? “To help everyone have a safe and enjoyable visit, please plan appropriately for a visit to Bandelier’s protected Ancestral Puebloan sites in Frijoles Canyon,” stated Superintendent Patrick Suddath. He added, “I encourage everyone to help us reduce traffic in this area by avoiding the mid-day rush, or by taking the free shuttle when it’s available.” Visitors are reminded to #RecreateResponsibly.

Rangers are available in front of the Bandelier Visitor Center from 8:30am-4:30pm, every day. The park store managed by Western National Parks Association is open from 9am-5pm and Sirphey’s at Bandelier, the café in Frijoles Canyon, is open from 9am-4:30pm. For more information, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 0.

Park entrance fees are $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per bicycle/individual. All entrance passes are valid for 7 days. Camping fees are not included in entrance fees. America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted for entrance fees. The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes as well as Bandelier Annual passes are available for purchase at the visitor center. For more information about types of passes and prices, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.