New Mexico Bandelier National Monument map and highlights

Detailed guide Bandelier National Monument In north-central New Mexico, near Los Alamos.    

Bandelier National Monument in north-central New Mexico, near Los Alamos.    

Pajarito Plateau is rich with archeological sites, which were  the homes of ancestral Pueblo people from the 12th through the 16th  centuries. Trails afford access to crumbling beige cliffs, forested  mesas, and deep gorges, all within a dramatic landscape formed by a huge  volcanic eruption more than 1 million years ago. Two-thirds of the  32,737-acre park is wilderness. The park was proclaimed on February 11,  1916, and transferred from the Forest Service on February 25, 1932.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, picnicking,  guided and self-guided walks, viewing evening slide programs.  Facilities: Visitor center, museum, guided and self-guided tours, hiking  trails. Book and map sales, book-and-gift shop, picnic tables. Programs  & Events: Guided walks, interpretive talks, evening programs,  cultural and craft demonstrations (all June-Sept.). Tips & Hints:  Juniper Campground prone to weather closures in winter. Visit in Apr.,  May, Sept., and Oct. for moderate temperatures and less chance of snow.  Busiest July and Aug., least crowded in Dec. and Jan.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: 2 campgrounds in the park: Juniper (94 sites; $10;  flush toilets), Ponderosa (2 group sites; $35; pit toilets; reservations  required, see below). Backcountry camping available (permit required,  see below). 53 Hotels: None in park. In Los Alamos: Best Western Hilltop  House Hotel (400 Trinity Dr., tel. 505/662-2441 or 800/462-0936; 92  rooms; $89), Los Alamos Inn (2201 Trinity Dr., tel. 505/662-7211 or  800/279-9279; 116 rooms; $90). X Restaurants: In the park: snack bar. In  Los Alamos: Hill Diner (1315 Trinity Dr., tel. 505/662-9745; $7-$10).  & Groceries & Gear: None in park. In White Rock: Smiths Food  & Drug Centers (31 Sherwood Blvd., tel. 505/672-3811).

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $10 per private vehicle for 7-day permit.  Backcountry camping permit required (free, must obtain in person at  visitor center). New Mexico state fishing license required. No bikes or  motorized or mechanized equipment on trails. No firewood gathering. No  hunting. No pets on trails or in backcountry. Leashed pets only in  campground, picnic area, parking areas, along roadways. Park open  dawn-dusk. Visitor center open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 8-6; Labor  Day-mid-Oct. and mid-Apr-Memorial Day, daily 9-5:30; mid-Oct.-mid-Apr,  daily 8-4:30.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

10 mi south of Los Alamos via Rtes. 501 and 4; 8 mi southwest of  White Rock via Rte. 4; 47 mi northwest of Santa Fe via U.S. 84/285 and  Rtes. 502 and 4. Closest airports: Santa Fe (50 mi), Albuquerque (100  mi).    

CONTACTS    

Bandelier National Monument (HCR 1, Box 1, Suite 15, Los Alamos,  NM 87544, tel. 505/672-3861 Ext. 517, fax 505/672-9607,. gov/band).  Bandelier Visitor Center (Park Headquarters, Frijoles Canyon, 3 mi from  entrance station). White Rock Tourist Information Center (125 Rte. 4,  White Rock, NM 87544, tel. 505/672-3183). Los Alamos County Chamber of  Commerce and Visitor Center (109 Central Park Sq., Box 460, Los Alamos,  NM 87544, tel. 505/662-8105 or 800/444-0707,).  

Bandelier National Monument guide. Detailed guide Bandelier National Monument In north-central New Mexico, near Los Alamos