Tuesday 27th Sept, 2022: Visit to Bandelier National Monument

One of the features of the new "hub and spoke" model for this trip was the freedom it gives participants to do their own thing each day and then rejoin the group back at the central base at the end of the day. Today was a good example. I will report on the choice we made to visit the Bandelier National Monument. We were joined by Mary and Drew, Christine and Rick, and Michael. 

Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres of rugged but beautiful canyon and mesa country as well as evidence of a human presence here going back over 11,000 years.  Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.

The park is about 60 miles from Santa Fe, of which the last 20 or so are by shuttle bus due to limited parking at the Frijoles Canyon visitor center. 

Ruby and Earl

After the 20 minute shuttle ride we embarked on the 1.4mile Main Loop trail that took us along the surprisingly lush canyon that was occupied from approximately 1150 to 1550CE.

Rick and Debbie striding out on the Main Loop Trail

The "Big Kiva" that would have been used for large meetings formerly covered by a roof

Drew and Mary joining Rick resting in the shade by the trail

The trail leaves the valley floor and climbs the valley walls

The caves in the valley walls were the best place to live being safer, and warmer in the winter months. They were accessed by wooden ladders

Debbie arrives in the cave at the top of the ladder

Here comes Michael...

Christine isn't far behind

...and here comes Rick

View from the canyon wall into the surprisingly lush valley

Some of the group then took a side trail to the Alcove House which is accessed by a series of ladders and very narrow ledges. Debbie and I passed on this side trip so we enjoyed the accounts from those who were more adventurous than us!

On the return trip to Santa Fe we were caught in a shower of rain, and were pleased to find that Earl's 3 wipers work as well as could be expected, though they didn't park - no surprise there!