BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT NEWS

The paved 1.2-mile Main Pueblo Loop Trail in Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument has been walked upon by hundreds of thousands of visitors over the last few decades.  The trail, which provides access to dozens of Ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites, is showing the impact of weather, time, and traffic.  Finally, this summer the Main Pueblo Loop Trail will be getting a much-needed face lift.  Work is scheduled to begin May 1 and expected to last about four to six months.

“Although the outcome is a much nicer and more accessible trail, there will be impacts for visitors who come during this much needed work,” stated Acting Supt. Dennis Milligan. “Visitors to Bandelier should expect closures, delays, and re-routing of foot traffic.”

In addition to work on the Main Pueblo Loop Trail a road paving project that began last fall is set to resume in mid-June which will last one to two months.  This project will also cause delays and short-term closures on the entrance road and in parking lots.  Please visit http://www.nps.gov/band before you visit to see an updated schedule of closures or reroutes. Changes may occur with minimal notice.

Summer shuttle season begins May 14, and continues through October 14, 2020.

“During the summer season visitors are required to take a shuttle bus from the White Rock visitor center to access Frijoles Canyon, the main visited area of Bandelier National Monument,” Milligan said. “This helps relieve the shortage of parking in the heavily visited portion of the monument during the busy season.”

The shuttle is required between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to access the visitor center, Main Loop Trail, and Falls Trail. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays, and every 20 minutes on weekends. The last shuttle leaves Bandelier at 5 p.m.

Remember visitors may drive directly into Frijoles Canyon before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. and buses or tour groups may drive in to unload and load passengers anytime.

As well, visitors who:

• display a disability license plate or tag
• have a pet on board (Please note: Pets are not allowed on ANY trails)
• would like to camp at Juniper Campground (a shuttle is still required into the canyon from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• would like to backcountry camp
• arrive on a bicycle
• are on official park business

may also drive directly down into Frijoles Canyon.

The shuttle bus service is free, however, a park entrance fee is required and can be purchased from the White Rock Visitor Center near the shuttle stop or the Bandelier Visitor Center upon arrival.

Visitors may drive to many other areas of the park any time of the day including Juniper Campground, Tsankawi, and the trails outside of Frijoles Canyon located along NM Highway 4. The park closes at dusk (30 minutes after sunset).

Please visit www.nps.gov/band, call the Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon, 505-672-3861, ext. 0, or visit us on Facebook, BandelierNPS, for updated information about the park.

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