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.
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
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
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
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
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
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
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.
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Gear:
Personal items:
Clothing & footwear:
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:
Min. age requirements:
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.