Bandelier National Monument Day Trip
Bandelier National Monument is considered to be a sacred ground with preserved homes and territories of the Ancestral Puebloans. The land was once home to the Ancestral Pueblo People, who lived in the area from approximately 1150 CE (Common Era) to 1550.
I hiked the Main (Pueblo) Loop Trail and Alcove House Trail, a moderate trek that takes you through the cliff dwellings and you can even climb into some. As you walk through these sacred grounds, you’ll see evidence of human existence that dates back more than 11,000 years, including Petroglyphs, carved dwellings, and the standing masonry walls of former communities. To get close to the longhouses, you will need to climb uneven stairs and narrow walkways.
Since I was just starting my travels in the Southwest, I was thrilled with the opportunity to climb wooden ladders into hollowed out cave dwellings on the slide of a cliff. The majestic views overlooking Frijoles Canyon were filled with a calming spiritual sense.
Halfway through the Main Loop you can either turn back or hike another half mile to the Alcove House. It is unlike anything I’ve ever experience. The alcove is located 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon and can be reached by using 4 wooden ladders and several stone stairs. I highly recommend! I found it exhilarating since I had very little time to worry about the insane drop below.
Due to the limited amount of local, indoor places opened as a result of COVID regulations I was able to take a few day trips from Albuquerque and visit some of the natural wonders around New Mexico.
Today’s day trip includes: Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera, and the Jemez Hot Springs.
Before you head off on your journey, be prepared! There are no places to stop for snacks, water and toilet throughout the Jemez Mountains, until you reach the end at Jemez Springs in the town of Jemez Springs. It’s a beautiful scenic mountain drive that you wouldn’t want to get distracted over because you’re hangry.
Bandelier National Monument
Valles Caldera
A southwest geologic gem! Situated in the vast crater of a dormant volcano, the Valles Caldera landscape makes for fantastic year-round explorations. About 1.25 million years ago, a volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountains, meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams.
Wintertime at Valles Caldera is very different from the spring and summertime busy seasons. During my visit, fresh snow fell two nights before and the trails and valley were blanketed in white. Hiking in the snow is always a bit of a challenging especially when you don’t have snowshoes and can’t find the trail, but the experience is totally worth it. I hiked the Coyote Call trail, but only made it up halfway before half my legs were buried in snow.
TIP: There are very few trails that actually leave from the visitor center. Coyote Call is about two miles down the road and can be found by the small turnoff and enough parking for 3 cars.
As I continued my way through the Jemez Mountains, my original plan was to stop at the Spence Hot Springs but with every parking spot taken I knew that the Hot Springs were going to be too COVID-y for comfort. So I pivoted my lunch plans and stopped at Battleship Rock Picnic Site. Situated right next to the Jemez River, I lucked our with very few people and a lot of open space.
Jemez Hot Springs
To finish off a long day of driving and exploring, I stopped at the Jemez Hot Springs and had one of the most relaxing hours of my entire life. I dipped my body from head to toe in four different hot springs, all containing therapeutic mineral water at different temperatures. It was a type of relaxation that I did not know I was missing from my life.
I did not converse with other guests, I unplugged from my phone and felt the stress leaving my body.
The staff and patrons were wonderful, showing peace and respect to all who entered the water, and helped me understand the rules since it was my first time. They also implemented COVID rules and regulations to keep everyone safe.
Unfortunately, their policy states no pictures and I wanted to respect their wishes.
Here is a map of my route: https://bit.ly/3v1sJIz