Bandelier contains 23,267 acres of designated wilderness with more than 70 miles of backcountry trails.
The terrain is challenging and the scenery spectacular. Elevations range from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. Lush,
narrow canyons alternate with sweeping mesa-top vistas. Permits, free of charge, are required for all
overnight travel into the backcountry and are encouraged for solo day hikers. Permits, maps, and trail
information may be obtained at the Visitor Center. No pets, bicycles, motorized vehicles or fires are
permitted in the backcountry, and stream water must be purified before use. Group size is limited and
camping is restricted in some areas. Call for regulations and more information.
Here is a description of selected trails in the area:
FALLS - RIO GRANDE - 5 miles with a 700 ft elevation gain. Down to Rio Grande with mostly sunny, MODERATE uphill return. Overlooks of waterfalls on Frijoles Creek located 1.5 and 2 miles down trail. Trail guidebook available for $1.50.
FRIJOLITO RUIN - 1.5 miles with a 500 ft elevation gain. STRENUOUS climb up
switch-backs to rim of Frijoles Canyon and unexcavated Frijolito Ruin. Overview of cliff dwellings. For a 2.5 mile loop, continue north on mesa-top trail and descend at junction with trail to Yapashi.
TYUONYI OVERLOOK - 2.2 miles and 50 elevation gain. EASY walk across mesa-top to excellent overlook of Frijoles Canyon and Tyuonyi Ruins.
FREY TRAIL - 4 miles and 600 ft elevation gain. Hike down to Visitor Center on historic trail into Frijoles Canyon. Views of Tyuonyi Ruin. Return is STRENUOUS.
TSANKAWI - 2 miles and 150 ft elevation gain. MODERATE walk to unexcavated Tsankawi Ruin and cliff dwellings. Spectacular views of the Espanola Valley. Trail guide available for $.50.
BURNT MESA - 5 miles and 300 ft elevation gain. EASY walk across open, sunny mesa. Good wildflower viewing.
UPPER CROSSING - 3 miles and 550 ft elevation gain. MODERATE hike across mesa and steep descent to Frijoles Creek in shaded canyon. With a car shuttle one can hike from Ponderosa Campground to Visitor Center (7.5 miles one way).
FRIJOLES RIM & CANYON - 13 miles and 1,000 ft elevation gain. STRENUOUS loop; up to mesa and north through semi-open forest with descent to Upper Crossing in canyon. Return through lush streamside vegetation.
YAPASHI RUIN - 12 miles and 2,200 ft elevation gain. STRENUOUS hike across. Mesas and up and down sheer-walled canyons to the large unexcavated pueblo called Yapashi.
PAINTED CAVE - 14.5 mile and 2,400 ft elevation gain. STRENUOUS hike with steep descent from the San Miguel Mountains into Capulin Canyon. Prehistoric & historic pictographs in large alcove.
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