The Bandelier National Monument shuttle service starts May 16. Photo Courtesy NPS
BANDELIER NEWS
It’s been a busy spring at Bandelier National Monument and the parking lot in Frijoles Canyon is filling up! The wait is over – shuttles will start back up Thursday, May 16.
The shuttles are free, have really big windows to take in the scenery along the way, and run seven days a week from this May 16 through October 16. Starting at 9 a.m. they leave the White Rock Visitor Center every half hour on weekdays and every twenty minutes on weekends. Every run stops at Juniper Campground and then proceeds to the Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon then stops at the campground again on its way back to White Rock.
“The County of Los Alamos and Atomic City Transit provide us with a terrific service”, said Bandelier Superintendent Jason Lott. “We just don’t have enough parking, and the shuttles make it possible for visitors to have a relaxed, enjoyable day at the park without having to wait in a long line for a parking space. Plus, the drivers are the best!”
Visitors who arrive at the park before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. may drive into Frijoles Canyon without taking the shuttles. In addition there are exceptions for visitors with disability placards on their vehicle, those starting an overnight hike into the backcountry, traveling with pets, coming on park business, and organized groups traveling in their own bus or vans.
Anyone wishing to camp in Juniper Campground can drive into the campground at any time, but then must use the shuttle to access the Visitor Center area unless they are eligible for one of the exceptions. Juniper Campground has restrooms, water faucets, and a dump station with potable water but no hookups and is $12/night. Campers who prefer to have an electrical hookup may want to consider the RV parking area at the White Rock Visitor Center for $20/night.
Beginning on Thursday, May 16, the Bandelier Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The White Rock Visitor Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join Bandelier staff for an activity, guided walk or interpretive program. The complete park calendar is available on the park website.
Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the hours when most visitors are required to use the shuttle, a member of the park staff will be on duty at the Bandelier Entrance Station to provide information and assistance.
For information about Bandelier National Monument, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 517 or visit www.nps.gov/band, on Facebook, BandelierNPS.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 NPS employees care for 417 of America’s national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov