When I think of the term monument, a statue or building that serves as a reminder of something, is the first thing that comes to mind. Bandelier National Monument may be a building (or what remains of one), but it’s more of a home. A community where Ancestral Pueblo people raised their families, took care of one another, and built lives together. We will never truly know what life was like for them over 10,000 years ago, but we can see what they left behind.
SEVEN SIGHTS YOU HAVE TO SEE
#1 Visitor Center
I’ll never tell anyone to skip the Visitor Center at any National Park Service location. They are always full of helpful information. This one is particularly nice because it has such a nice view of the park. You’re getting just a hint of what to expect from your day and that’s exciting. Be sure to get a “Main Loop Trail Guide” for $2.00 while you are there.
#2 Cave Rooms
Known as cavates, these rooms were carved within the cliff walls. You’ll see several of these along the Main Loop Trail. Remember to only enter the ones with ladder access.
#3 Reconstructed House
This reconstruction is what you might typically see in front of a cave room if they were still standing today. In the 1920s, the park wanted to give visitors a more visual feel for what this community looked like so many years ago. Take a peek inside the windows as you pass by.
#4 Cave Kiva
This is another cavate (cave room). You’ll notice that it is much larger than the previous ones you’ve seen. You can completely stand up in this room. There are many tiny details and a great view of the entire community below. Keep in mind that this is also a reconstructed area.
#5 Petroglyphs
As you walk along the path past the cliff dwellings, look just above the row of holes. There are petroglyphs carved into the rock. They blend in quite well so you’ll have to look carefully. Binoculars would be very helpful for this part of the trail since you can’t get up close.
#6 Pictograph
Coming to the end of the cliff dwellings, you’ll find a beautiful pictograph. This design is a bit of a mystery as it was covered over in plaster (and later discovered). No one knows what its purpose was, only that it was part of a wall in one of the dwellings. Still, it is a beautiful thing to see.
#7 Alcove House
A half mile past the main loop trail is the Alcove House. You may be tempted to head back to the visitor center and parking lot after you’ve seen the cliff dwellings, but believe me when I say it is absolutely worth the short hike to this amazing site.
Hopefully you’ll be used to climbing a few ladders by now. You’ll head up 140 feet from the floor via four tall ladders. The park advises that if you have any heart or respiratory conditions, or if you have a fear of heights, that you do not make the climb to the top. Personally, heights and I are not really friends, but I did ok on this trail. The view at the top is so beautiful and Alcove House is quite amazing. The fact that it is so high off the ground causes you to pause and wonder how this was even constructed. It’s all part of the wonder of this area of the park and an absolute must see.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Bandelier National Monument or the National Park Service.
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