Pocket gophers dig burrows underground searching for food and can be very damaging to archeological sites. Photo by Sally King/NPS

BANDELIER News:

In addition to listed activities, the park movie is shown on request every day and there are ranger-guided tours on the first section of the Main Loop Trail throughout the week as staffing permits. All activities are weather permitting.

For information, call the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505.672-3861 x 517.

MAY 23 – Summer Free Shuttle Service from White Rock Begins

First day for the summer shuttle service from White Rock to the Bandelier Visitor Center. Through the middle of the day when visitation is highest, visitors must park at the White Rock Visitor Center, but those arriving before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. can drive in on their own. The free shuttles run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between White Rock and the Bandelier Visitor Center. Visitors planning to camp in Juniper Campground can drive in to the campground and catch the shuttle there. Bus groups, hikers coming to get a backcountry permit, or those with disability placards can drive in throughout the day. For more information, call the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505.672.3861x 517. Shuttle service will continue through Oct. 27.

May 25 – Cultural Demonstrator schedule begins

On summer weekends, visit with local craftspeople and discover the rich history of the area through crafts, dance, music, and art. Local artisans are scheduled at the Bandelier Visitor Center on weekends and some holidays throughout the summer. Check the park website at www.nps.gov/band for an up-to-date list of scheduled demonstrators.

May 27 – Frank Pinkley’s Birthday (1881-1940)

In 1901 Frank Pinkley was hired as caretaker of what is now Casa Grande national Monument. By the time he retired in 1940, he was in charge of 27 National Monuments throughout the Southwest and had had tremendous influence on the role of preservation and the national Park Service in the region. On his birthday we’ll commemorate his life and work with a poster on the “Boss” and the parks he worked to save.

June 7 – National Trails Day

Join the Bandelier Trails Program Lead Dale Coker for a backcountry hike. The route will be the Cerro Grande trail, about  five miles round trip and a rise of about 1,000 feet; high altitude and moderately strenuous. Numbers are limited; contact the Visitor Center at 505.672.3861 x 517 for details and to sign up. 

June 14 – National Get Outdoors Day

Join  the Bandelier Trails Program Lead Dale Coker for a backcountry hike. The route will be from Ponderosa Campground to Burnt Mesa Trailhead by way of Escobas Mesa; roughly four miles mostly easy, but overall moderately strenuous because of travel off-trail and scrambling involved in crossing one small canyon. Numbers are limited; contact the Visitor Center at 505.672-3861 x 517 for details and to sign up. 

June 14 – Monthly Backcountry Hike

Join a backcountry ranger for a hike in the backcountry. Hike will be from Ponderosa Campground to headquarters down Frijoles Canyon. Six hours, 7.5 miles, moderate difficulty with some scrambling over and around flood debris. Bring lunch, water, snacks, hat, sunscreen; expect to get feet wet. Group will arrange shuttle back to Ponderosa. Numbers are limited; call the Visitor Center at 505.672.3861 x 517 for details and to sign up.

June 18-21 Bandelier Day Camp

A chance for children 2nd grade and above to explore Bandelier with a ranger and learn about nature and the Ancestral Pueblo people. Wednesday-Saturday mornings (Saturday is family day). No charge; reservations required. Call the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505.672.3861 x517 to make reservations.