Main Loop Trail (Bandelier)

The Low Down

The main loop trail at Bandelier National Monument represents the average visitor's first exposure to the park's superb archaeological and scenic resources. If you haven't been to Bandelier before, start by doing this easy, paved walk in a canyon bottom, and if you like what you see (and you will), get ready to branch out to serious adventure on the monument's extensive backcountry trail network.

Tyuonyi Ruin as seen from near Talus House

Getting There

Follow New Mexico State Road 4 to the monument, from Santa Fe to the east or Jemez Springs and San Ysidro to the west. Entry costs $6/person or $12/vehicle; a National Park Service "Park Pass" secures free entry for the one-year lifetime of the pass ($50/year). Once through the entry station, proceed on the main road down a steep, exposed grade to the main parking lot. If you're only doing the main loop trail, park in this lot; if you're adding on one of the numerous backcountry options, you'll need to park across the stream in the secondary, less developed lot. The trailhead is at the visitor center immediately up-canyon (west) of the parking lot, where you should spend some time getting oriented before hitting the trail.

Route Finding

It's all but impossible to get lost on this paved, well-marked trail. Proceed out the west (rear) door of the visitor center and pick up a trail pamphlet (small charge if you want to keep it), which will point out most sites of interest along the trail. When you come to junctions, bear right to remain on the loop trail; the left-hand trails cut off distance and return to the visitor center.

The route leads through Tyuonyi Ruin in the canyon bottom, then climbs a short distance toward the nearly vertical canyon wall. (If you're in a wheelchair, turn left at Tyuonyi rather than right, as the right-hand route is impassable by chair after a short distance.) The main trail passes several cave dwellings and restored structures set against the canyon wall, a few with ladders allowing you to climb into them if you wish.

Upon passing Long House, an extensive set of ruins on the canyon wall, you come to a side trail switching back up the wall. This is the Frey Trail, which leads to the campground. Do not take this trail unless you're in the mood for some serious aerobic work; rather, continue to your left to an intersection marking the far point of this hike. Turn left here to return to the visitor center via the canyon bottom. If you're feeling energetic, you can turn right instead and go to Alcove House (shown as "Ceremonial Cave" on some older maps), a particularly large shelter cave bearing a restored kiva (ceremonial structure) that you can enter. This excursion adds another mile (round trip) to your hike, with some altitude gain and a bit of exposure, although the trail is good. Routes up-canyon beyond Alcove House lead into the backcountry. On the way back you can either follow the main loop trail or divert to a short nature trail that parallels the Rito de los Frijoles, the stream in the canyon, with some interpretive signs describing the monument's flora and fauna.

Trail Resources

This trail is accessible and enjoyable year-round, as its location in the canyon bottom shields it from winter chill, spring winds and summer heat. As it's the main "tourist trail" at the monument, it can be quite busy, particularly during the summer months. Don't go expecting a wilderness experience, although the crowds thin out considerably if you take the optional extension to Alcove House.

Helpful Hints

A photography tip: The cliff dwellings are at their most photogenic when in direct but oblique sunlight. During the summer, that's either early or late in the day, as the overhead sun washes out much of the contrast; however, in winter, the middle of the day produces the best photography, as the high canyon wall on the opposite side of the canyon keeps the cliff dwellings in shade early and late.

Activities Allowed

This is a hiking-only trail; no animals or mountain bikes are allowed. In this area you must stay on the constructed path. Elsewhere in Bandelier there are opportunities for cross-country travel, but not here. The trail is open during daylight hours, and users are expected to be back to the parking lot by dusk. However, there are occasional "Nightwalks," led by rangers, that cover part of this trail after dark by flashlight. Participation is by reservation only; consult the monument's web page for details.

External Links

• Bandelier National Monument web site