| Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico |
 Trail Name:Falls Trail Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| On the Pajarito Plateau, within the Jemez Mountains of north central New Mexico, lies Bandelier National Monument. Bordered to the south-east by the Rio Grande, this wilderness of scoured canyons and high mesas was inhabited for centuries by the Anasazi. The most accessible section is Frijoles Canyon, which can be explored on two trails. The shorter RUINS TRAIL explores the remains of ancient cliff dwellings and stone buildings. This longer trail descends the lush canyon, alongside El Rito de los Frijoles (“Little River of the Beans”) and past its plunging waterfalls, to the Rio Grande.
Across the creek at the start of Falls Trail is Rainbow House, one of thousands of ruins in Bandelier. As you start the descent into the canyon, you follow the creek beneath pink-tan cliffs of volcanic rock (tuff), formed from layers of ash spewed from eruptions of the Jemez Mountains over a million years ago. Distinctive pinnacles to the side of the trail are remains of eroded tuff known as tent rocks. Over time, the creek has cut through the soft tuff and into hard, black basalt. The moist environment allows many trees, shrubs and ferns to flourish, creating a lush oasis, particularly in the summer months. Cottonwood, box elder and alder grow here; unfortunately, these are also ideal conditions for poison ivy, which should definitely be avoided. After crossing a couple of bridges, it is not far to Upper Falls – 1.5 miles and a 350 ft descent from the trailhead – where the creek plunges steeply over basalt. Continue past the base of the falls, cross the creek and descend alongside Lower Falls. The two waterfalls are only about 0.25 mile apart. From the viewpoint of the Lower Falls, continue down Frijoles Canyon, crossing the creek several times along the way. In no more than 0.75 mile (and another 200 ft of descent) the creek meets the Rio Grande in beautiful White Rock Canyon. A (now unmaintained) trail continues along the bank of the Rio Grande, but rising waters caused by spring run-off may cause this area to flood, preventing access to the river. Bandelier National Monument has 70 miles of trails, mostly in the backcountry wilderness. Some other hiking options: * For a full day backcountry hike, take the 13-mile out and back trail to the Shrine of the Stone Lions, on the edge of Hondo Canyon. It is around 6 miles to Yapashi, another unexcavated ruin, then less than 0.5 mile further to the shrine. Two weathered stone animals, each about 6 ft long, lie in a clearing surrounded by rocks. The shrine remains a sacred site for the people of the area. * In a separate area of Bandelier, Tsankawi Ruins can be reached along a 1.5-mile trail starting near the intersection of Routes 502 and 4. Leading through pinyon-juniper forest and past petroglyphs, an ancient path climbs up through the volcanic rock, worn deep by centuries of use. The trail ends at the remains of a prehistoric village, set atop a high mesa with fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: North New Mexico, about 35 miles north-west of Sante Fe. The nearest town is Los Alamos. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: From Los Alamos, take Route 502 south-west for 5 miles, then Route 4 south-east for 6 miles to the signed turn-off into the Monument. Trailhead: End of backpacker parking area, 3 miles beyond the entrance station and just a short distance from the visitor center. Length: 5 miles / 8.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: -700 ft / -213 m Duration: 3 hours Trail Condition: Maintained, steep and narrow places. Access to the Rio Grande may not be possible due to high water levels. Features: Canyon, cliffs, waterfalls, river. Climate: Year-round trail, best in spring and autumn. Summers can be very hot. Snow and ice in winter. Accommodation: Camping inside the Monument at Juniper Campground (open March through November, first-come, first-served). Motels in Los Alamos. Trail Notes: Trail booklet available from the visitor center (tel. 505-672-3861). Carry water (the creek water needs to be purified before use). |
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