Virtual Hike on the Frey Trail

The Frey Trail is a relatively short (2 miles one way from visitor center to Juniper Campground) but in parts steep trail (700 foot elevation change).  Views are amazing.  Remember, if the summer shuttle isn't running (which it isn't in summer 2020) then this requires either a round-trip hike or two cars.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

34 seconds

As you start up the steep switchbacks remember to look back into the canyon. The views are fantastic and change as you climb.

 

Duration:

29 seconds

Looking back at the canyon from a little bit further up the trail and being serenaded by White-throated Swifts.

 

Looking up Frijoles Canyon you can see the Jemez Mountains and across the canyon you can see the Long Trail.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

27 seconds

An even higher viewpoint but there's still a lot of climbing to do. That Rock Wren seems upset about something.

 

Duration:

34 seconds

Apparently a gray fox is not welcomed in this neighborhood by the Rock Wren. Do you think there may be a nest nearby?

 

Duration:

49 seconds

The fox seems more interested in eating termites that have emerged after a rain than in looking for bird eggs.

 

Cactus, such as these claretcups, can grow in the most adverse conditions but produce the most amazing blooms.

photos by Sally King

 

Duration:

39 seconds

A look both up and down Frijoles Canyon. Can you guess why Ancestral Pueblo people chose to live in a place like this?

 

Duration:

37 seconds

You're almost to the top. A final look back into the canyon.

 

At the top of the climb the trail meanders across the mesa through the pinon juniper woodland.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

24 seconds

From here you can look all the way across the park and see the San Miguel Mountains, located on the western boundary of Bandelier.

 

There is so much diversity within prickly pear cactus that one biologist said it was like each and every cactus plant was its own individual species.

photos by Sally King

 

Duration:

1 minute

A mountain cottontail believes camouflage will hide it if it just doesn't move.

 

Duration:

24 seconds

A nice place to set a spell, put your feet up. Or at least enjoy the view.

 

Watch for a variety of insects on the Frey Trail.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

18 seconds

As you near Juniper Campground the trail follows a little side canyon of larger Frijoles.

 

Duration:

33 seconds

A curious whiptail lizard lounges in the sun.

 

When hiking, especially in late summer, always watch the weather.  Thunderstorms can develop quickly and pose a risk to persons exposed on open mesatops.

photo by Sally King

 

Duration:

58 seconds

Horned lizards were once very common in the Piñon Juniper woodland of Bandelier. With fewer ants, the lizard's main food source, this lizards have become far less common than their cousins the Fence lizard and the Whiptailed lizard.