Bandelier

(White Rock NM)
Moving south again, I resupplied in Española. Then headed to Bandelier National Monument in Frijoles Canyon. Another location with native ruins. But, it included some fantastical rock formations and cliffs.

Cliff behind remains of walls

Bandelier Ruins

Really, I was a bit overloaded on cliff dwellings and kivas. Since I was told the scenery was exceptional, I decided to give it a go. And, the drive in did have some great formations. I was not disappointed.

Outline of ruin walls from cliff view

Tyuonyi Pueblo

Remains of rooms from dwellings

Long House

Arrived at the campground in the afternoon. Just as I got the rig set-up, it began raining hard with a strong wind. So, I settled in for the night. A shuttle took me to the Visitor Center in the morning. There, I saw the movie, and then the museum.

Wooden ladder leaning against cliff

Ladderup to Cliff Room

Native mural in cliff wall

Original Mural

A paved loop trail took me past the ruins and up to the cliff dwellings. There were a few interesting things, like a mural, some petroglyphs, a reconstructed dwelling against the cliff, and ladders that you could climb up and peer into the cliff rooms.

Massive cliff with trees in front

Bandelier Cliffs

Pilars in front of mountain side

Rock Formation

However for me, the cliffs themselves were the highlight of my visit. Textured walls, crevices, spires, and massive cliffs all caught my attention. Very nice indeed!

Cavity back into cliff

Crevice in Cliff with a Spring

Huge cliff reaching to deep blue sky

More Cliffs at Bandelier

Hopped on the shuttle back to the campground and had lunch. I wasted little time getting back on the road to see more beautiful places on my journey.

Camp: Bandelier NM-Juniper CG
Scene: Pueblo ruins, rocks, cliffs

10 Responses to Bandelier

  1. J. RICHARD SECOR October 15, 2014 at 9:16 pm #

    This is a beautiful area and you did yourself a favor by visiting

    • Pleinguy October 19, 2014 at 7:45 pm #

      It is indeed. And I did enjoy the visit and the interesting rock formations.

  2. Dizzy-Dick October 15, 2014 at 9:40 pm #

    That is a beautiful area. In the third picture up from the bottom, those rock formations look like two guys sitting there looking out over the valley.

    • Pleinguy October 19, 2014 at 7:46 pm #

      Good observation. I thought it might have been an early sculpture when I saw it.

  3. Barney (The Old Fat Man) October 16, 2014 at 12:39 am #

    I enjoyed my visit there years ago. It appears they have cleaned it up somewhat since then.

    • Pleinguy October 19, 2014 at 7:47 pm #

      It was nicely done. Some was closed off due to a recent flood.

  4. jonthebru October 16, 2014 at 7:04 am #

    I was just thinking about how much I have enjoyed following your summer loop and seeing you back in New Mexico… very nice lifestyle.

    • Pleinguy October 19, 2014 at 7:48 pm #

      Thanks for following along, I appreciate it. Glad to be back in the land of enchantment.

  5. Gypsy October 16, 2014 at 3:19 pm #

    Hmmm – I’m not sure I could climb that ladder! The scenery is certainly beautiful at Bandelier.

    • Pleinguy October 19, 2014 at 7:50 pm #

      That one was about 20 ft, but another ruin required climbing 4 of those. I loved the rock formations.

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