The San Miguel Mountains (viewed from Burro Trail) on Bandelier’s western boundary represent another episode of volcanism in the park’s history. Courtesy/NPS

BANDELIER News:

Bandelier National Monument will begin offering a variety of programs to the public this summer.

“As COVID restrictions have relaxed, Bandelier is anxious to provide the programming visitors want so they can learn more about this park’s amazing resources. We invite the public to include one or more of these activities in their planned visit to Bandelier,” Acting Superintendent Dennis Milligan said.

Cultural Demonstration Programs – Bandelier will be offering weekend cultural demonstration programs again this summer after a hiatus last year due to COVID.

The cultural demonstration program brings local craftspeople from the nearby Pueblos to share traditional skills such as making pottery and flint knapping. Demonstrations will be held 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends through Labor Day weekend behind the Bandelier Visitor Center. Craft items will be for sale.

• Aug. 7-8 — Dolores and Josephine Toya, Jemez Pueblo, pottery;
• Aug. 14-15 — Roger and Diane Candelaria, San Felipe Pueblo, pottery;
• Aug. 21-22 — Harvey Abeyta, Santo Domingo Pueblo, flint knapping;
• Aug. 28-29 — Sharon Garcia, Santa Clara Pueblo, pottery; and
• Sept. 4, 5, 6 — Harvey Abeyta and Priscilla Nieto, Santo Domingo Pueblo, flint knapping and jewelry.

Backcountry Guided Hikes – Hike into Bandelier’s expansive backcountry with a ranger and learn about the park’s diverse resources:

• Reservations required – call Visitor Center 505.672.3861, ext. 0. Hikes limited to 10 people:
• All mileage information is round trip:
• Participants must wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes and be in good physical condition to handle elevation gains in and out of the canyon;
• Bring a pack including 2-3 liters of water, multiple snacks/bars (in some cases a lunch), a rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, any necessary medications; and
• Safety briefings will be given at the start of each hike.

Hikes Schedule

• 7/24 Hike: Frijolito Loop Start: 10 a.m. Duration: 3 miles, 2 hours  
• 7/31 Hike: Alamo Canyon Loop Start: 8 a.m. Duration: 14 miles, 7 hours
• 8/7 Hike: Frijoles Narrows Start: 9 a.m. Duration: 8 miles, 4 hours
• 8/14 Hike: Alamo Canyon Loop Start: 8 a.m. Duration: 14miles, 7 hours  
• 8/21 Hike: Falls Trail Start: 10 a.m. Duration: 3 miles, 2 hours
• 8/28 Hike: Yapashi Loop Start: 8 a.m. Duration: 16 miles, 8 hours
• 9/4 Hike: Burnt Mesa Start: 10 a.m. Duration: 5.6 miles, 4 hours
• 9/11 Hike: Falls Trail Start: 10 a.m. Duration: 3 miles, 2 hours
• 9/18 Hike: Mid Alamo Canyon Start: 9 a.m. Duration: 7 miles, 4 hours
• 9/25 Hike: Frijoles Narrows Start: 9 a.m. Duration: 8 miles, 4 hours
• 10/2 Hike: Alamo Canyon Loop Start: 8 a.m. Duration: 14miles, 7 hours
• 10/9 Hike: Falls Trail Start: 10 a.m. Duration: 3 miles, 2 hours
• 10/16 Hike: Yapashi Loop Start: 8 a.m. Duration: 16 miles, 8 hours
• 10/23 Hike: Mid Alamo Canyon Start: 9 a.m. Duration: 7 miles, 4 hours 

Night Sky Programs

Want a break from Netflix? Come try NightSkyFlix! Rangers at Bandelier will be presenting night sky programs several times a month, starting in July. All programs will run for approximately an hour and will take place at the Juniper Campground Amphitheater parking lot. These events are free but require a reservation. Call or visit the Visitor Center at 505.672.3861 x0 to reserve a spot. The parking lot will be open half an hour prior to listed show times so visitors can arrive and set up before the program begins.

• 9 p.m. Sunday, July 11 – Constellations Program
• 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25 – Full Moon Program
• 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 – Constellations Program
• 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 (Rain Date: Friday Aug. 13) – Perseid Meteor Shower Program
• 8:30 p.m. Sunday Aug. 22 – Full Moon Program
• 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 – Constellations Program
• 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19 – Full Moon Program

Park entrance fees are $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per bicycle/individual. All entrance passes are valid for 7 days. Camping fees are not included in entrance fees. America the Beautiful  – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted for entrance fees.

The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes as well as Bandelier Annual passes are available for purchase at the visitor center. For more information about types of passes and prices, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.

Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The park store operated by Western National Parks Association is open each day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the café is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week.