BANDELIER News:
The paved 1.2-mile Main Pueblo Loop Trail in Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument has been walked upon by hundreds of thousands of visitors over the last few decades.
The trail, which provides access to dozens of Ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites, is showing the impact of weather, time, and traffic.
Finally, this summer the Main Pueblo Loop Trail will be getting a much-needed face lift. Work is scheduled to begin May 1 and expected to last about 4-6 months.
“Although the outcome is a much nicer and more accessible trail, there will be impacts for visitors who come during this much needed work,” Acting Superintendent Dennis Milligan said.
Visitors to Bandelier should expect closures, delays, and re-routing of foot traffic. In addition to work on the Main Pueblo Loop Trail a road paving project that began last fall is set to resume in mid-June which will last 1 to 2 months. This project will also cause delays and short-term closures on the entrance road and in parking lots. Look at www.nps.gov/band before visiting to see an updated schedule of closures or reroutes. Changes may occur with minimal notice.
2020 Shuttle Season
Summer shuttle season begins May 14, and continues through Oct. 14. Acting Superintendent Milligan reminds visitors, “During the summer season visitors are required to take a shuttle bus from the White Rock Visitor Center to access Frijoles Canyon, the main visited area of Bandelier National Monument. This helps relieve the shortage of parking in the heavily visited portion of the monument during the busy season.”
The shuttle is required between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to access the visitor center, Main Loop Trail and Falls Trail. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes weekdays, and 20 minutes weekends. The last shuttle leaves Bandelier at 5 p.m. daily.
Remember visitors may drive directly into Frijoles Canyon before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. and buses or tour groups may drive in to unload and load passengers anytime.
As well, visitors may also drive directly down into Frijoles Canyon who :
- display a disability license plate or tag;
- have a pet on board (Please note: Pets are not allowed on ANY trails);
- would like to camp at Juniper Campground (a shuttle is still required into the canyon 9am to 3pm);
- would like to backcountry camp;
- arrive on a bicycle; and
- are on official park business.
The shuttle bus is free, however, a park entrance fee is required and can be purchased from the White Rock Visitor Center near the shuttle stop or the Bandelier Visitor Center upon arrival.
Visitors may drive to many other areas of the park any time of the day including Juniper Campground, Tsankawi, and the trails outside of Frijoles Canyon along N.M. 4. The park closes at dusk (30 minutes after sunset).
Visit www.nps.gov/band, call the Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon, 505.672.3861, ext. 0, or visit Facebook, BandelierNPS, for updated information about the park.
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