Visiting Bandelier

January has begun very snowy.   Abundant snow is present at all elevations within the park.  At 1.2 miles round-trip, the Main Loop Trail is the most visited park trail and the only one cleared of snow.  In winter, the trail may be an out and back trail instead of a loop due to the closure of an icy slope.  Many people also add Alcove House with its 140 foot ascent on 4 wooden ladders and many stone stairs. Remember, these long ladders are often closed in winter if ice is present. Frijoles Canyon experienced several flooding events last year. Check at the visitor center about trail conditions if you are hiking beyond the Main Loop Trail and Alcove House. Juniper Family Campground is closed until February 27, 2009.  The cross-country ski trails in the higher elevations of the park have plentiful snow.

Seasonal Information     
Download the newest park newspaper (PDF)    

The People of Bandelier

Bandelier has a long human history and links to the modern Pueblos. Traditions which began in the distant past are still practiced today. At Bandelier, evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people can be found in the dwellings, artifacts, and continuing culture of the modern pueblos. Early Spanish settlers, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), and  the National Park Service also left their mark on the local landscape. more...

Click here to see the park's extensive museum collections.

Especially For Teachers

Education is a primary function of the National Park Service. Bandelier is hard at work developing lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc. that can be used on a field trip to the park or in the classroom. With a diversity of natural and cultural resources, the park is an excellent setting for teaching in person or via the web.

Resources for teachers...

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