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bandelier national monument hiking

Bandelier National Monument Hiking Tour: 5-Day Camping Trip in New Mexico

5 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00
From $3,590 ()
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Long before Santa Fe was built, the ancestral Pueblo people carved homes straight into the soft volcanic cliffs of Bandelier. On this Bandelier National Monument hiking tour, we spend four days camping among those canyons and mesas. We climb ladders to cave dwellings, hike to the park’s highest point, and wander the meadows and creeks of the Valles Caldera. Evenings feel like an adult summer camp: songs around the campfire, friendship bracelets, and a night sky full of constellations. You’ll pick up real camping skills along the way, and no experience is needed—beginners are more than welcome!

Matt
Matt

Adventure Highlights

  • Cliff dwellings and petroglyphs: At Tsankawi, we climb ladders along a mesa to reach cave dwellings, petroglyphs, and an ancestral Pueblo village with views of the Jemez Mountains
  • Summit day on Cerro Grande: We hike to the highest point in Bandelier, with views stretching across the park and the Valles Caldera National Preserve
  • Summer camp for grown ups: Campfire songs, stargazing, and new camping skills, all wrapped up with a farewell dinner in Santa Fe
Duration
5 days
Season
May
Group size
Up to 8 people
Accommodation
Standard, Comfort: Camping & hotel
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate: Basic fitness required, hiking up to 6 mi (9.7 km) per day, with up to 1,200 ft (365 m) of elevation gain
What's included
Guides, camping and hotel stay, all meals per itinerary, park entry fees and permits, tents and group camp gear, airport transfers

The adventure, day by day

This 5-day Bandelier National Monument hiking tour takes us through one of northern New Mexico’s richest landscapes. Bandelier is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, its Native American history, and its natural scenery. We hike to the summit of Cerro Grande, explore the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Frijoles Canyon, and climb ladders to the cave dwellings of Tsankawi. Our medically trained naturalist guides lead the hikes and interpretive tours, prepare the meals, and teach camping skills along the way. We spend three nights at a campsite in Bandelier, then a final night in a Santa Fe hotel. Airport pickup, all meals in the itinerary, park fees, tents, and group camp gear are included.

Day 1: Arrive in Santa Fe, set up camp, and hike the Pueblo Loop Trail
Hiking in Bandelier National Monument | New Mexico

Arrive in Santa Fe by 11 am, and plan to have your own lunch at the airport before your pickup. After pickup, we drive about an hour to our campsite in Bandelier National Monument. We work together to set up camp, then head out on our first hike of the trip on the Pueblo Loop Trail. If time permits, we may also hike down to a nearby waterfall. After the hike, we return to camp for a delicious meal and settle in for the night.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Campsite in Bandelier National Monument

Day 2: Summit Cerro Grande and hike through Valles Caldera National Preserve
hiking bandelier sunny

The highest point in Bandelier is Cerro Grande, and today we spend the day hiking to its peak. Along the way, we have spectacular views of Bandelier and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, which is where we head next. We spend the rest of the day hiking through the preserve’s open meadows, winding creeks, and ancient volcanic domes. There’s plenty of time to learn about the important people who called this place home. We settle back at camp with a delicious meal and a campfire.

Hiking: 4.5 mi (7.2 km) round-trip to Cerro Grande
Elevation: +1,200 ft (+365 m)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Campsite in Bandelier National Monument

Day 3: Frijoles Canyon and the cliff dwellings of Tsankawi
Image 4: person hiking in Sedona National Park

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the campsite before continuing to explore the Frijoles Canyon area of the park. After a picnic lunch, we drive to the Tsankawi section of Bandelier. There, we hike along a mesa and climb ladders in search of cave cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and the ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi. At the village, we’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Campsite in Bandelier National Monument

Day 4: Hot springs soak and an afternoon in Santa Fe
Buildings in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico

After breakfast and packing up camp, we enjoy a relaxing dip and showers at a local hot springs spa. Once refreshed, we set off to explore the city of Santa Fe, known for its architecture and local arts scene. You’ll have free time at the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can browse Native American-owned art and jewelry stores. In the evening, we settle into our hotel for a much-needed shower and a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Fe

Day 5: Final breakfast and transfer to the airport
santa fe aerial

Enjoy a final breakfast before saying “until next time” as you’re transferred to Santa Fe Airport for your departing flight. The trip ends at 11 am, so choose a flight that leaves at 12:30 pm or later.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Matt
5.00
Matt
Matt grew up in Indiana with a love for geology and the outdoors, but the West—with its varied terrain and vast wilderness—soon caught his attention. At 23, he moved to Flagstaff to study geology at Northern Arizona University. Today he uses that background to help guests read the landscape and understand how its formations came to be. He’s spent years exploring remote corners of the Southwest by backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, and peak bagging. Along the way he also became an avid landscape and adventure photographer, and he loves capturing guests’ experiences on the trail. Guiding hikes lets Matt bring all of these passions together and show guests what makes the Southwest such a great place to explore.
Sydney
5.00
Sydney
Sydney discovered the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. She’s biased, but she still thinks the Cascades are the most beautiful peaks in the world. For the past three years, she’s guided in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Tennessee’s Great Smokies. Guiding lets this lifelong educator combine her two favorite things, getting outside and teaching, and she works to make everyone feel they belong outdoors. The Southeast is also where she fell in love with climbing. Hiking gives her time to think, while climbing pulls her into the moment. Off the trail, you’ll find her curled up with her black lab, Alpine, and her cats, Moose and Lobo.
Megan
5.00
Megan
Founder, Chief Adventure Office, and Senior Guide
Megan got her start in the travel industry as a kayak guide at an eco-lodge in Wales. After returning to the States, she continued leading day hikes for adventurous New Yorkers, which soon turned into adventures around the world. During this time, she also began working on the logistics side of travel and creating itineraries. After completing her Master’s in Outdoor Education, Megan headed to Montana to guide. She is a passionate environmentalist who uses her experience to run a more sustainable and inclusive outdoor travel company.
Jason
5.00
Jason
Operations Assistant & Lead Guide
Jason grew up in New York State, spending most of his childhood exploring the outdoors (barefoot!) and camping with his family. He got more into backpacking and the outdoors while on an extended adventure in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Since then, Jason has worked for NOLS and Outward Bound leading wilderness expeditions in the Everglades, Wind River Range, Bears Ears National Monument, and Blue Ridge Mountains. He has hiked all over the world: from the tall peaks of Mexico’s volcanoes to the deep canyons of Namibia. Jason is passionate about bringing folks outside and helping them to develop a sense of wonder towards nature and outdoor activities.
Jarrod
5.00
Jarrod
Jarrod grew up on the coast of southeastern Massachusetts, exploring rocky shores and skipping stones across the bay. After years in the Northeast’s hospitality and tourism industry, he downsized his life, moved into an RV, and headed west in search of adventure. While working in Yellowstone National Park, he fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and the solitude of remote wilderness. Seven years on the road eventually led him to Utah’s Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, where he now divides his time between alpine trails and the desert landscapes of the Southwest. Yellowstone remains his first love, and he’s always eager to share his passion for nature and the national parks with others.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)
C
Courtney L.

Amazing time at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. Alex was knowledgeable, personable, super prepared and a pleasure to be with. Felt like we had made a new friend! The company goes out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions and are super sustainable. We would absolutely use them again!

S
Sol R.

Victoria and Matt were both true 5 stars!

S
Sally D.

Guides were wonderful, especially as they had to adjust plans due to weather. Food was great. Entertainment was an unexpected delight.

5.00(3 reviews)
C
Courtney L.

Amazing time at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. Alex was knowledgeable, personable, super prepared and a pleasure to be with. Felt like we had made a new friend! The company goes out of their way to accommodate dietary restrictions and are super sustainable. We would absolutely use them again!

S
Sol R.

Victoria and Matt were both true 5 stars!

S
Sally D.

Guides were wonderful, especially as they had to adjust plans due to weather. Food was great. Entertainment was an unexpected delight.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Medically trained, experienced naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 5-day Bandelier National Monument hiking tour, with camping and a final night in Santa Fe (hiking and interpretive tours)
      • 3 nights of camping in Bandelier National Monument (double occupancy campsite)
      • 1 night in a hotel in Santa Fe (single occupancy room)
      • All meals as outlined in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners)
      • Airport pickup and drop-off at Santa Fe Airport, plus transportation during the tour
      • Park entry fees and permits
      • Tents and group camp gear

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Sleeping bag rental

    Not included:

      • Flights to and from Santa Fe
      • Lunch on Day 1
      • Personal camping gear (see the packing list below)
      • Anything not mentioned above
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • In order to join this Bandelier National Monument hiking tour, basic fitness is required, and the trip is suitable for beginners and those with some experience. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 6 miles (9.7 km), with up to 1,200 ft (365 m) of elevation gain.

    On your guides’ 1–5 intensity scale, this trip is rated level 2. Expect moderate walking for up to 5 hours per day, with intermittent periods of activity. The trails are generally easy, with some uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes. In the park, you’ll travel between 5,000 ft (1,525 m) and 10,000 ft (3,050 m), so expect the weather to vary.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking vacations in the USA!

  • Gear:

      • Day pack (15–30L)
      • Pack cover
      • Reusable water bottles and/or a water bladder (3 liters per day)
      • Sleeping bag rated to 20°F (-7°C) or below — available to rent
      • Headlamp
      • Hiking poles — recommended
      • Travel pillow — recommended
      • Small, quick-dry towel — recommended
      • Earplugs — recommended
      • Camera — recommended

    Personal items:

      • Sunscreen
      • Insect repellent
      • Toiletries (biodegradable and scent-free)
      • Personal first aid kit (with blister treatment)

    Clothing & footwear:

      • Hiking shoes or boots
      • Hiking pants
      • Wool socks (1 pair per day)
      • Warm jacket (down, puffy, or fleece)
      • Rain jacket
      • Breathable, wicking base layers (wool recommended)
      • Fleece or mid-layer
      • Warm hat
      • Gloves
      • Hat with a brim
      • Warm clothes for sleeping
      • Rain pants — recommended
      • Buff or neck scarf — recommended
      • UPF sun shirt — recommended
      • Sandals or camp shoes — recommended
      • Comfy clothes for camp — recommended
      • Clothes for the restaurant — recommended

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • The maximum group size for this Bandelier National Monument hiking tour is set at 8 participants.
      • This adventure is more than welcoming to solo travelers! This trip is designed to foster group bonding and the guides are pros at making sure everyone feels welcomed. Any given trip is usually a healthy mix of solo travelers, friends, and couples.
      • Bandelier National Monument hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. There’s no maximum age.
      • Minors younger than 18 cannot join scheduled group departures, but all ages can be accommodated on a private adventure.
      • If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  • On this Bandelier National Monument hiking tour, your night in Santa Fe is booked as a single occupancy hotel room, included in the price. Tents in Bandelier are double occupancy.

  • The starting point of your Bandelier National Monument hiking tour is Santa Fe, New Mexico. To get there, most people fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), where your guides will pick you up. Plan to arrive by 11 am and have lunch at the airport before your pickup.

    You will meet your guide at 11 am at Santa Fe Airport. The trip ends at 11 am on the final day at the same airport, so book a departing flight at 12:30 pm or later.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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