Virtual Tour of Tyuonyi Overlook Trail

The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail begins near Juniper Campground and is a relatively easy and flat trail, 2.2 miles roundtrip.  This trail ends in a dramatic overlook of Frijoles Canyon.

Photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

31 seconds

The trail starts by crossing the mesa through the Pinon and Juniper Woodland.

 

Duration:

32 seconds

The trail begins not only near Juniper Campground but also near other NPS high use areas. The views are great but sometimes natural sounds are drowned by other noises.

 

Duration:

32 seconds

The views continue as you follow the trail but the sounds travel a long ways too. Don't worry. You do outwalk the urban noise.

 

There are several archaeological sites along the Tyuonyi Overlook Trail.  Ancestral Pueblo people farmed on these dry mesa tops.  Can you imagine doing that?

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

1 minute, 13 seconds

Many little groups of rooms on the mesa top were used by Ancestral Pueblo farmers.

 

May flowers of the Banana Yucca soon become June fruits.  All parts of the yucca were used by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

photos by Sally King

 

Duration:

33 seconds

The San Miguel Mountains are a prominent feature in the park seen from many trails. They are located on the western boundary of Bandelier National Monument.

 

Duration:

27 seconds

The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail goes out a finger mesa between a small side canyon and Frijoles Canyon. In this area the trail is rocky.

 

Prickly pears are one of the most diverse plants in Bandelier.

photos by Sally King

 

Duration:

18 seconds

Bees and beetles visit prickly pear blooms to feed and in the process pollinate the flowers.

 

Duration:

36 seconds

This was definitely a sacred spot. Views in all directions are amazing. Please treat this place with the respect it is due.

 

This shrine is located near the end of the finger mesa just before Tyuonyi Overlook.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

41 seconds

As you near the Overlook there are better and better views into Frijoles Canyon.

 

A wide variety of flowers can be found on the Tyuonyi Overlook Trail in spring, summer, and fall.

photos by Sally King

 

Duration:

56 seconds

From here you can see the archeological sites on the Main Loop Trail, the park visitor center, and the entrance road into the canyon.

 

Duration:

34 seconds

In just a few steps you can get a great view up Frijoles Canyon.

 

A loop is available for part of the trail.  This single Alligator Juniper can be seen on that loop.  The name comes from the rough bark of the tree that looks like the back of an alligator.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

52 seconds

Alligator Junipers used to be more common in the park. They are one of the many lifeforms that has not adjusted well to wide spread high intensity fire.

 

Duration:

39 seconds

The loop trail follows the rim of Frijoles Canyon for some time and offers some amazing views.

 

Views along this portion of the trail really highlight how steep walled Frijoles Canyon really is.

photo by Sally King

 

The trail then leaves the canyon edge to make its way back to Juniper Campground.  Don't forget to turn around for the views.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

26 seconds

Stands of Ponderosa Pine stand out against the overall Pinon Juniper woodland vegetation. This is a landscape in flux.

 

Duration:

30 seconds

The hike back to Juniper Campground is a slow climb with little shade. Take plenty of water and sunscreen.