The climb to Alcove House requires four sets of ladders ascending some 140-feet. Courtesy/BNMBNM News:
The Alcove House site at Bandelier National Monument reopened Friday May 3 after Monument staff closed it April 10 due to concerns over the structural stability of the archaeological site.
The reconstructed kiva in Alcove House remains closed until further notice. Visitors must follow closure guidelines for their safety.
The public should expect another closure in late fall when crews will repair the cracks in the walls of the structure.
A few weeks ago, staff from Bandelier’s Vanishing Treasures division were conducting an assessment of the site for future stabilization work, when they discovered that the kiva was showing significant signs of deterioration since they last examined it. The walls of the kiva had loosened and the structure was exhibiting the effects of severe erosion.
Perched at the edge of a cliff, the equivalent of 14 stories above the floor of Frijoles Canyon, the Alcove House site is known for its breathtaking scenery as well as the series of ladders and stairs visitors must climb to reach it.
