News Release

Bandelier’s Tsankawi Unit Closure Extended

Bandelier National Monument will extend the closure of its Tsankawi Unit past the previously expected mid-October 2023 timeframe.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 27, 2023

Contact: Zachary Whitlow, [phone] ext. 1512

Los Alamos, N.M. – Bandelier National Monument will extend the closure of its Tsankawi Unit past the previously expected mid-October 2023 timeframe. This is due to construction delays at Tsankawi and the New Mexico State Road 4 intersection at the entrance to the park unit. The Tsankawi Unit is expected to reopen after construction is completed prior to the 2024 summer season.

The ongoing construction work is part of the larger interagency project to improve traffic flow and safety at the junction of New Mexico State Road 4 and East Jemez Road outside of White Rock. Bandelier is constructing a new parking area and access road as a part of this work, which will align with the traffic light at the intersection.

Construction activities impact all existing parking for Tsankawi. There is no safe parking or access points for the visiting public as a result. Entering Tsankawi by any means is prohibited during this closure, except for personnel performing official duties related to the various construction projects. Violators of the closure will be subject to citation or arrest. The site will remain closed until all construction projects are completed or until visitors are able to safely access and travel within the area while construction and trail work continues.   

The rest of Bandelier National Monument remains open during the Tsankawi closure. This includes:

• The Pueblo Loop Trail, Alcove House, Falls Trail, and Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon.
• The Juniper and Ponderosa Campgrounds.
• Backcountry and frontcountry hiking trails at such locations as Burnt Mesa, Cerro Grande, and Alamo Boundary.