News Release

Upcoming Project Work at Bandelier Will Affect Visitors This Fall through Spring 2023

Alcove House will be closed during upcoming project work.

NPS

News Release Date: October 5, 2022

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

Several projects slated to begin in the next two weeks, that will most likely last through June 2023, are expected to impact visitors to Bandelier. A project to improve and install several bridges in Frijoles Canyon, and another that will stabilize Alcove House will occur simultaneously. Visitors should expect several changes to how and where they can visit the archaeological district in Frijoles Canyon, the most popular spot in Bandelier National Monument. The work will limit creek crossing and close off the Alcove House and the Alcove House Trail. When completed, the bridges will allow for easier visitor access across Frijoles Creek. Alcove House preservation measures will help stabilize and reduce erosion from visitor impact to preserve this sensitive, highly visited archaeological site per the mission of the National Park Service. "We appreciate the public's patience while we work to make facilities more accessible and protect these sacred resources" added Bandelier Superintendent Patrick Suddath.

During this work, the public is encouraged to consider visiting other nearby National Park Service areas such as Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Los Alamos or Valles Caldera National Preserve to learn about and explore more of the human and natural history of the area. There are several museums and a nature center in Los Alamos, offering more to discover. At Bandelier, try hiking one of the less visited trails in the park. Bandelier has over 70 miles of trails, some long and difficult, some shorter and easier.

Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. In Frijoles Canyon, the park visitor center and the park store (operated by Western National Parks Association) is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the café, Sirphey at Bandelier, is open from 9am to 4:30pm.

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.