Bandelier National Monument

I didn't know anything about the national monument when I stopped by for a couple of hours. The path near the main visitor center is an excellent tour through the ruins of an ancient Pueblo village. Most interesting are the cliff dwellings. There are some restored examples that you can climb up into. And a path alongside the creek that the village was built there for. Besides the archaeological sites, there is a small museum in the visitor center. And some fairly long intense hiking trails to do if the small Main Loop trail isn't enough. Overall a wonderful place to visit.
5 8 years ago (16-05-2018)

Bandelier was cool. Th cave dwellings are interesting. It's annoying that you have to take a shuttle in to the park. If they're going to force you to do that the least they could do is to ha e more shuttles running so people aren't standing in the aisles or turned away as they were this past weekend. Definitely get the guidebook. It was nice they had loaners so you didn't have to buy the book. It was a big help in going around the main site though. We would have liked to see more of the park but it was too sunny and hot and we felt we'd get either sunburnt or heat exhaustion if we went farther into the park. maybe next time... It's fun you get to go up into the cave dwellings. You can actually stand in one or two of them. Fascinating glimpse into the people of a thousand years ago.
3 8 years ago (30-05-2018)

If you want to get in free, park at White Rock visitor center coming from the north of the park and take the shuttle to Bandelier. The visitor center sells tickets but don't buy one. Once inside the park the driver will make his first stop at the Juniper parking lot. Get off there and hike down. 2 miles maybe. If you get off at the visitor's center which is the second stop, you're paying. You can only see so much. It was good but not great in my eyes. It's high desert so bring lots of water and fried chicken. When you're ready to leave you can pick up the shuttle at the visitor center. You just saved twenty bucks. You're welcome.
3 8 years ago (01-06-2018)

Easy paved path, with access to cave dwellings by ladder. The Alcove House has beautiful views but requires a bit of climbing up some tall ladders. Definitely worth the hike and climb but maybe not enjoyable for someone with a fear of heights. The hike and driving through the park was excellent and I would recommend Bandelier to anyone looking to spend a day outside.
5 8 years ago (04-05-2018)

This monument is well worth the drive. The park staff and volunteers are very helpful. The hike to the dwellings is enjoyable and scenic. The first set of cliff dwellings are fairly easy to get to, but the furthest one involves climbing very long ladders. So for any that don't like heights, they might want to pass on this part.
5 8 years ago (23-04-2018)