Visitors are urged to visit Bandelier during the off-hours through Oct. 10 as visitation is expected to surge. Photo Courtesy NPS

BANDELIER NEWS RELEASE

With the increase in visitor numbers to Bandelier National Monument this summer,  park staff are predicting that visitation will surge during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,  Oct. 2-10.

There will be a free shuttle from White Rock into Frijoles Canyon available on  Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Use of the shuttle is highly recommended. If you arrive when the park is at capacity, you may be directed back to White Rock to pick up the shuttle or to visit  other areas of the park.

Parking frequently fills in the busiest area of the monument – Frijoles Canyon;  vehicles have been turned away several times this summer. Bandelier is a favorite destination for many  balloon fiesta goers. The park is open sunrise to sunset every day and the public is encouraged to visit  before 10 am or after 3pm to avoid crowded parking lots and trails. Why not arrive early and enjoy cooler  temperatures and shorter wait times to climb one of the ladders on the very popular, 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail?

“To help everyone have a safe and enjoyable visit, please plan appropriately for a visit to  Bandelier’s protected Ancestral Puebloan sites in Frijoles Canyon,” stated Superintendent Patrick  Suddath. He added, “I encourage everyone to help us reduce traffic in this area by avoiding the mid-day  rush, or by taking the free shuttle when it’s available.”

Visitors are reminded to #RecreateResponsibly.