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Bring extra water and snacks for the entire day. There are water bottle stations at the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Falls Trail, Frey Trail, Cottonwood Overflow Parking Lot. There is also water for purchase at the restaurant and park store.
Bring and wear sunglasses, long sleeves, loose-fitting clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
Our bees are very active in the summer, so if you have a bee allergy, consider changing your visit to the winter season or make sure your allergy medication is readily available.
The shuttle stop at the Frey Trail parking lot.
NPS / Zachary Whitlow
Shuttles
Bandelier National Monument's shuttle is seasonally operated, typically running from mid-March to mid-October. The shuttle will run intermittently on weekends and holidays throughout the summer. Pickup will start at 10:30 am at the Frey Trail parking lot and will drop off at the park Visitor Center. The shuttle buses run every 30 minutes. These shuttles are operated in partnership with Atomic City Transit in Los Alamos County.
Unlike previous years, the shuttle is not mandatory unless the parking lots in the canyon are filled up. However, please note-If all parking lots are full, even with the shuttle operating, cars will be turned around at the entrance station and asked to return later when more spaces become available. Also, there will be no shuttle service to the White Rock Visitor Center. Shuttle services will only operate between parking areas within Bandelier. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the White Rock Visitor Center for information on regional attractions and unique exhibits. Visitors may use the free shuttle to access trail heads on the mesa top and will provide easy access between the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center and Juniper Campground.
There is no charge for riding the shuttle but all normal entry fees still apply for entering the park. Fees are based on the vehicle visitors arrive to the shuttle in, which is not a per person basis usually. All visitors are required to check in at the Bandelier Visitor Center when they arrive in the park.
How do I know if the shuttle will be running during my visit?
Please scroll down to view the full summer schedule and times while planning your trip, or call the Bandelier Visitor Center at (505) 672-3861 x 0 to speak with a Ranger.
Why is there a shuttle?
Bandelier National Monument began utilizing a mandatory shuttle in Summer 2012 to help alleviate parking congestion and aims to prevent the need to turn cars around when the parking lots were full. The shuttle allows the park to accomodate more visitors. The shuttle does not provide tours or interpretation, it is purely for transportation.
Does the shuttle take me directly to Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites?
No. The shuttle only provides transportation between the Frey Trail parking lot and the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center during periods of peak visitation. Please plan accordingly.
What opportunities do the shuttles give me for my visit when they're running?
The shuttle service offers a few options for experiencing other great trails in Bandelier. The Frey Trail and Tyuonyi Overlook trails are both accessible from Frey Trail lot shuttle stop. Ranger suggestion for a unique hiking experience: Begin your day going down Frey Trail, one of the few original trails descending into Frijoles Canyon before the road was built. You'll hop right into the Pueblo Loop trail and main visitor area. Once you're finished exploring the historic district and Visitor Center complex area, catch the shuttle bus and enjoy the breathtaking views while riding back up to your vehicle!
Can I drive anywhere else in the park?
Yes. You can still drive into a number of areas of the park any time of the day including Juniper Campground, Tsankawi, and to the many trails outside of Frijoles Canyon located along NM Highway 4. Remember the park closes at sunset, so plan to leave before that time.
Bandelier's 2026 Shuttle Schedule.
NPS
Be prepared when visiting the park!
NPS
Summer Heat & Sun
The heat adds increased risk to any summer activity in the park: driving, hiking, sightseeing, camping, photography, and more.
Check the weather forecast and park alerts. Check the weather conditions for extreme heat alerts and stop by the visitor center before visiting the park.
Take time to acclimate to high altitudes. Your body loses more fluids at high altitudes, increasing your risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. Allow several days to acclimate before starting any strenuous exercise.
Pick the right activity for your abilities. Use the Plan Your Visit section to pick an activity.
Pace yourself. Start your hike slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
Take plenty of breaks. Rest in the shade or cool down in air conditioning.
Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated and drink before you feel thirsty. Plan to bring extra water, just in case you need it. Sports beverages can help replace salt and minerals lost from sweat.
Wear sun protection. UVA/UVB sunscreen, a hat, lightweight and light-colored clothing, and sunglasses are recommended.
Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The temperature in a car can rise very quickly!
Water bottle fill stations are located at Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, Falls Trail, Cottonwood Overflow Parking Lot, and Frey Trail. Please enter the park prepared with plenty of water stored in your car and/or backpack.
Rattlesnakes are highly active in summer.
NPS / Sally King
Wildlife in the Summer
The heat affects the park’s wildlife, including rattlesnakes, which are highly active in the summer.
Stay on trails and watch where you walk to avoid stepping on rattlesnakes. Don't forget to pay attention to the bushes to the side of the trail.
Take great care to avoid placing hands and feet in any nooks or cracks, whether around vegetation or in rocks.
Bees look for water in the summer and are attracted to any moisture source, including your sweat, do not swat at them; they might sting you. If camping, keep water sources in your car, even closed water bottles.
If you see a rattlesnake, keep your distance! On average, a rattlesnake can strike up to a distance of about two-thirds of its body length. For example, a six-foot rattlesnake could potentially strike from approximately four feet away.
Let a park ranger know right away if you see a rattlesnake on or near a trail. Do not attempt to move it or harass it.
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Current Forecast
The closest weather station to Bandelier National Monument is at the Los Alamos Airport at 7,171 feet (2,186 m). While in the park, you will be traveling between 5,000 feet (1,500 m) and 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in elevation. Please expect varying weather conditions.
