Tsankawi

At Tsankawi you can hike the same trails used by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Photo by Sally King

Bandelier National Monument's Tsankawi Unit is located on State Highway 4 twelve miles from the main section of the park. At Tsankawi you take a 1.5 mile walk along a mesa, viewing cavates, petroglyphs and the Ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi. Ladders are a required part of this trail. The trail is very exposed to the elements and should not be taken during localized thunderstorms. Cold, snowy weather can make the trail slippery so extra care should be taken when visiting in winter.

 

Ladders are a required part of the trail at Tsankawi.

Photo by Sally King

 

Tsankawi has gorgeous views looking in all directions.  This is an image looking towards the Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos.

photo by Sally King

 

Tsankawi's pinyon-juniper woodlands are home to short-horned lizards.  If encountered, feel free to watch/photograph them but please do not handle, touch, or collect these adorable reptiles.  This is their home.

photo by sally king

 

The trail at Tsankawi includes narrow trenches and ladders.  It is not a hike recommended for people with a great fear of heights.

photo by Sally King

 

The village of Tsankawi is located on top of the mesa and has incredible views.

photo by Sally King

 

The trail at Tsankawi is very exposed to the elements.  It is best to chose a day without thunderstorms to visit.

photo by Sally King