Bandelier National Monument

On the canyon-slashed slopes and bottoms of the Pajarito Plateau are the ruins of many cliff houses and pueblo style dwellings of 13th-century Pueblo Indians. This plateau is also very interesting geological, in that it is largely composed of what is called tuff, (primarily constituted volcanic ash and basaltic lava). The volcano that erupted there, formed one of the largest calderas or depressions in the world. Its rim forms the Jemez Mountains. Proclaimed on February 11, 1916; transferred from Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, February 25, 1932.

Bandelier National Monument is a definite stop on any visit to New Mexico. The hiking trails in the park are moderate with steps leading to some areas. Taking the steps at my slow pace was time consuming but we were able to access most areas of the park. The views from the top of the mountain was worth the walk. The graphic at the left was taken from a postcard and shows livable cave areas. We climbed the ladder and sat inside this cave to get a better idea of environments within the close confines of within the cave. When visiting the park, plan to hike to the cermonial kiva. It is an experience you should not miss.

Acreage: 32,737, all federal.
Wilderness area: 23,267.

Source U.S. National Park Service

ADDRESS:

Headquarters: Bandelier National Monument
HCR 1, Box 1, Suite 15
Los Alamos, NM 87544

TELEPHONE:

General Information (505) 672-0343


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