Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful canyon and mesa country.
Photo: NPS Photo/Sally King / NPS
About Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful canyon and mesa country. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.
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Driving times from Bandelier National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Pass covers all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car, truck, camper, or van up to 15 passengers). Auto passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen. Entrance passes do not cover camping fees.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Pass covers per person entrance fee for those 16 years of age and older traveling on foot or by bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a 16 passenger or greater vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Individual passes are non-transferable and not replaced if lost or stolen.
Hours
Bandelier National Monument
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Tsankawi Unit
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Activities
Getting there
Spring daytime temperatures in the 70's can be followed by a snow storm with wet heavy snow and daytime temperatures in the 40's. Summers are dry with June usually being the hottest month of the year. Days in July, August and September often end with thunderstorms that can drop heavy localized rain and are often accompanied by lightning. Autumn weather is usually sunny with blue skies and warm (but not hot) days and cool nights. Winter average snowfall 25". Snow and ice can close trails and roads.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Bandelier National Monument?
- Entrance to Bandelier National Monument starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Bandelier National Monument?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Bandelier National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Manhattan Project National Historical Park (51 min), Valles Caldera National Preserve (1 h 5 min), Pecos National Historical Park (2 h 6 min), Petroglyph National Monument (2 h 35 min), Fort Union National Monument (3 h 4 min), Chaco Culture National Historical Park (3 h 35 min).