Winter solstice walk at Bandelier National Monument. Photo by Judy Mosher

BANDELIER NEWS RELEASE

Join us on December 21, 2021 at 7:15 AM in front of the Bandelier visitor center. Remember to dress warmly as we will be standing out in the cold for a while. Especially remember to wear warm footwear. On that day, at that time, we will walk approximately 400 yards to the entrance of the village of Tyuonyi in Frijoles Canyon to watch the sunrise. On this, the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year, the sun will rise in alignment with the entrance to that Ancestral Pueblo site. Bring cameras and cell phones to catch this once-a-year event (actually you can see the same amazing sunrise marker a few days before or after the 21st, just remember the park is open sunrise to sunset).

Later in the day (meeting at the visitor center at 1:50 PM) we will make a similar journey to watch likely solstice sunset markers as the sun dips below the west canyon rim. Yes, it really does happen that early this time of the year. As has happened for so many generations, we will celebrate the start of the journey to the longer days of spring. 

Park entrance fees are $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per bicycle/individual. All entrance passes are valid for 7 days. Camping fees are not included in entrance fees. America the Beautiful– the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted for entrance fees. The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes as well as Bandelier Annual passes are available for purchase at the visitor center. For more information about types of passes and prices, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm. 

Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The park store operated by Western National Parks Association is open each day, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The café is open Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 3:30 pm.