Snow in Frijoles Canyon. Courtesy/NPS
NPS News:
Frijoles Canyon, the most popular and highly visited part of Bandelier National Monument, will be closed Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, to protect some of the most sensitive resources in the park. This closure includes the visitor center, Pueblo Loop Trail, Falls Trail, and other trails that start in the canyon.
Trails outside of Frijoles Canyon will remain open and visitors may hike and visit the park at one of the several trails along HWY 4, including, among others, Burnt Mesa, Cerro Grande and Tsankawi. Park rangers at Tsankawi will be available to answer any questions you might have.
Weather permitting, Frijoles Canyon will resume regular operations, open sunrise to sunset, Monday, Dec. 26, and will also be open Sunday, New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2023! Sunset times are earlier at the bottom of the canyon making afternoons short and cold. While the visitor center and park store remain open until 5 p.m., for safety reasons, park staff recommend arriving for a short hike no later than 3 p.m.
As a reminder, winter visitation hours may be weather dependent. Please check weather forecasts and be prepared for quickly changing conditions – dress in layers with sturdy footwear. Carry water and snacks and let someone know about your plans. Park weather closure information is available on the park website and on Facebook. Call the Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon for more information at 505.672.3861, ext. 0.
Park entrance fees are $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per bicycle/individual. All entrance passes are valid for 7 days. Camping fees are not included in entrance fees. America the Beautiful– the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted for entrance fees. The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes as well as Bandelier Annual passes are available for purchase at the visitor center. For more information about types of passes and prices, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.
