Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

Tsankawi Cliff Dwelling Ruins, Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tsankawi,_cavattes_%26_steps.jpg
Author: Harrison Frazier


Bandelier National Monument is a national monument within Sandoval County, Los Alamos County and Santa Fe County in northern New Mexico. The 33,677-acre national monument preserves the ancient adobes of the Ancestral Pueblo People. The monument was named in honor of Swiss anthropologist Adolph Bandelier, who carried out research on the ancient cultures.

Bandelier National Monument is located on a high ground, with elevation ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet. The backcountry part of the site is a designated wilderness area covering 23,367 acres (9,456 ha). Adjoining the site on the north and west is the Valles Caldera National Preserve, which extends into the Jemez Mountains.

Bandelier National Monument cave dwellings
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bandelier_National_Monument_Cliff_Dwellings_1_2006_09_04.jpg
Author: Andreas F. Borchert


The Pueblo Peoples have lived in the area since AD 1150, also evidence of human habitation here goes back to over 10,000 years. By 1550, the people have moved closer to the Rio Grande. The discovery of basalt and obsidian artifacts along with other items provided a clue that the people were living along an ancient trade network which may continue down to Mexico.

Of greatest interest to casual visitors of the Bandelier National Monument is Frijoles Canyon. This is the site where one can view the ancient pueblo structures, including dwellings that were built on the canyon floor as well as "cavates", carved into the canyon walls.

Visiting Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico

The Bandelier National Monument is closest to the city of Los Alamos. If you're coming from Santa Fe, take US Highway 84/285 north towards Los Alamos. At Pojoaque, take New Mexico Highway 502 west towards Los Alamo then exit to New Mexico Highway 4 towards White Rock. 12 miles after passing White Rock, you will arrive at the entrance to the site on your left.

The visitor center is open between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in summer, and between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm in winter. It is closed on Christmas Day and New Year Day. Entrance fee is $12 per private car, valid for 7 days.

The visitor center has a museum which showcases the daily life of the Ancestral Pueblo people, with dioramas showing Pueblo life in ancient times and present day.

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