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Bandelier National Monument

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
505-672-3861 x517
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Ranked #1 of 9 attractions in Los Alamos
Type: National Parks, Monuments/ Statues, Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites, Caverns/ Caves, Canyons, Parks, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping
Owner description: Bandelier National Monument is 50 square miles of the Pajarito Plateau, on the slopes of the Jemez Volcanic field in the Jemez Mountains. Over 70% of... more » Owner description: Bandelier National Monument is 50 square miles of the Pajarito Plateau, on the slopes of the Jemez Volcanic field in the Jemez Mountains. Over 70% of the Monument is Wilderness, with over 1 mile elevation change, from about 5000' along the Rio Grande to over 10,000' at the rim of the Valles Caldera, providing for a wide range of life zones and wildlife habitat. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. The Monument, founded in 1916, protects Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, a beautiful landscape, and the country's largest Civilian Conservation Corps National Landmark District. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities, Activities for older children
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279 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
London
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

We went here with family and were told it would only take 2 hours. We actually spent a good 4 hours and were blown away the beauty and history. Very interesting place. There is a gift shop and a small cafe. We were lucky enough to be able to drive down but usually there is a shuttle bus from White... More

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See 2 more reviews by ambervincent for Los Alamos
Estes Park, Colorado
Top Contributor
110 reviews 110 reviews
61 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

We planned on doing the drive to Taos from Santa Fe today. In the morning, I was doing some research and came across this national monument. Since it wasn't far out of the way, we added it on, and we are so glad because it was the highlight of the day! It took about an hour from Santa Fe to... More

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Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Spent and amazing afternoon at Bandelier National Monument. The one thing I must say is that you have to make the climb to the Alcove House. It's a little intimidating especially if you any aversion to heights like I do. The climb consists of four steep wooden ladders and narrow stone stairs and walk ways. I wasn't sure that I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Greeley, Colorado
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

I've been going here since I was a baby and now I take my kids. I love it. It's beautiful, historic, interesting and a great walk. Not to challenging and appropriate for even the smaller kids (my husband and I just took our 2 yr old, as well as our 10 and 11 yr olds). Bandelier should definitely be on... More

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See 2 more reviews by Jessica H for Los Alamos
Taos, New Mexico
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Bandelier is a beautiful spot, with diverse ecosystems, ancient cave dwellings, rich history, and lots of ladders to climb. Wear good shoes!

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Just took a second southwest tour, and Banelier was one of the few places we wanted to see again. The ruins are accessible, the Frijoles Canyon is magical, especially in spring, and this year we discovered the caldera, the extraordinary plot of flat land left in the middle of the volcano eruptions long ago. It's a little bit of a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 4 more reviews by piotzar for Los Alamos
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

A great place to visit. We've been there many times and have a few tips that might help the first time visitor. Unfortunately the shuttle will be running again this year from May 24th thru November. You can avoid it by getting there before 9am or after 3pm. The problem with the shuttle is the long drive to White Rock... More

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Parker, Colorado
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This was our second trip to Bandelier in the past two years. It's a long haul from Taos, but we were so taken with the interesting geography, great hiking, really nice (and inexpensive) campground and pretty little Frijoles Canyon -- that we had to go back for another visit. The campground (the one near the main entrance) was rehabbed a... More

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Folsom, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Bandelier Naqtional Monument was definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Santa Fe, NM. We've been to many places and seen a lot, but nothing really compares to the cave dwellings of the Mesa Verde. You'll walk around in amazement. This place is less than an hour from Santa Fe, but you get lost in time. Some light... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
New Jersey
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

There are several high priced pueblos in the Santa Fe/Taos area which I researched before I went like the Puye Cliffs and Taos Pueblo. I am not saying these are not worth it, since I did not go there. But I decided that if I wanted to see real ancient pueblo/cliff dwellings, I should visit the Bandelier National Monument. I... More

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