This ladder is part of the trail at the Tsankawi section of Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/NPS 

BANDELIER News:

Bandelier National Monument will be offering ranger-guided evening walks at the park’s Tsankawi section 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Water, sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for cool weather or a possible rain shower are recommended.  

Participants will have the opportunity to view petroglyphs and cavates, while hearing the story of the Ancestral Pueblo people who occupied Tsankawi’s mesas and canyons.

Each of these walks will conclude with the group watching the full moon rise above the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The full moon in July is classified by astronomers as a “super-moon,” but the one in August will look just as grand.

Ranger-guided morning walks, also to learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people while viewing the cavates and petroglyphs, will be offered 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, and Wednesday, Aug. 21. Water, hats, sturdy footwear, sunscreen and appropriate clothing for intense sun or possible rain showers are recommended.

All walks meet at the Tsankawi ranger station and are slow-paced, over uneven terrain and about 1.5 miles in length.  

Participants must be at least age 12 and able to climb ladders up to 15 feet long. For any of these Tsankawi walks participants must sign up in advance by calling the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505 672-3861 ext. 517. There is no extra charge for these walks.

The Tsankawi section of Bandelier National Monument is about 2.5 miles north of White Rock on N.M. 4. Access to this area does not involve the shuttle buses from White Rock. Visitors drive to the parking area just north of the Truck Route junction. Walks may be cancelled in event of lightning, heavy rain or other safety concerns.

For more information about Bandelier, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/band or follow the Facebook posts at BandelierNPS, or call the Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 517.