News Release

Periodic Closures in Bandelier to Begin Monday, October 17, 2022, as Preservation and Accessibility Projects Begin

a view from Alcove House

NPS

News Release Date: October 14, 2022

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

Beginning Monday October 17, 2022, visitors to Bandelier National Monument should be prepared for periodic closures of trails and archaeological sites in Frijoles Canyon as construction projects begin. The Pueblo Loop Trail will not be affected. Most of the Monument’s main attractions will remain open for the duration of the construction project.  

Projects to improve and install several bridges in Frijoles Canyon and stabilize Alcove House will begin on Monday. Visitors should expect closures of some parts of Frijoles Canyon, above the Pueblo Loop Trail, including Alcove House, and some impacts to parking. The projects and periodic closures are expected to last several months.  

When completed, the new, improved pedestrian bridges will allow for easier visitor access across Frijoles Creek. The preservation measures at Alcove House will help to stabilize and reduce erosion from visitor impacts and help protect and preserve this sensitive, highly visited archaeological site for future generations of Bandelier visitors. 

During this work, the public is encouraged to try hiking one of the less visited trails in the park. Bandelier has over 70 miles of trails of varying distances and difficulties. Park rangers are happy to help match visitors with their perfect Bandelier hiking experience. Also consider visiting other nearby National Park Service areas such as Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Los Alamos or Valles Caldera National Preserve. In addition, several museums, and a nature center in Los Alamos, offer more ways to discover the area’s natural and cultural history.  

Visitors are encouraged to visit early in the morning, before 10:00 a.m., or later in the afternoon, after 1:30 p.m., to avoid parking congestion.  

For current information on closures and project impacts, call the Bandelier Visitor Center: [phone], ext. 0 

The Bandelier National Monument visitor center, located in Frijoles Canyon, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The park is open, including all trails and Tsankawi, from dawn until dusk. The park store operated by Western National Parks Association is open each day, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Currently the Main Pueblo Loop Trail is not a loop but an out and back. See map. All the archeological sites along this trail are still open. Alcove House is closed.