Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument protects dramatic cliff alcoves, ancient Ancestral Pueblo dwellings, and forested canadian valleys. Hike through desert and canyon landscapes; explore restored cliff shelters and petroglyphs.
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Geography
| Address | Bandelier National Monument, NM, USABandelier National Monument |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | US Southwest |
| Subregion | Southwestern US |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Los Alamos County |
| District | Pajarito Plateau |
| City | White Rock |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 35.9218 |
| Longitude | -106.3567 |
| Maps |
7:15 PM LOCAL TIMEBandelier National Monument sits on the southwest flank of the Pajarito Plateau, where Ancestral Pueblo communities carved dwellings into sandstone cliffs and built kivas andTerrace Lines beneath overhangs. Today visitors walk along easy loop trails through open ponderosa and piñon-juniper forests; major routes connect to rattling scree slopes, isolated cliff alcoves, and small museum exhibits. Key sites include the Main Loop Trail for petroglyph panels and reconstructed cliff dwellings, and the Folsom Lake Overlook for panoramic canyon views. The monument is also a hub for year-round outdoor recreation — hiking, canyon crossing, sledding in winter; and for cultural and landscape conservation efforts. Lodging options are limited; plan for day visits and moderate to long drives to nearby services in Los Alamos or Santa Fe.
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