Bandelier – Falls Trail Hike
In Los Alamos Region

Map File Source:

Hike Key: H10675
Last Updated: 02/16/2021 12:00am
Last Updated By: Marilyn Fixer
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Hike Distance: 0 mi
Minimum Elevation: 0 ft
Elevation Change: 0 ft
Total Uphill: 0 ft
Total Downhill: 0 ft
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Drive Distance Round Trip: 0 mi
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New Mexico Game Unit: 6C
Hike Status: In Process

Highlights

A waterfall and view of the Rio Grande below.

Cautions

Some steep dropoffs.

Trailhead Directions

I-25 north to exit 276B, Bypass Santa Fe to the west by taking NM 599 and then left on US 84/285 and north to Pajoaque. West on SR 502. Watch for signs to SR 4 (may be marked Truck Route). South on SR 4 past White Rock and follow signs to Bandelier National Monument–a left turn after milepost 56. Bring Golden Age Passport. NOTE: From mid-May to mid-October, you cannot drive to the Visitor Center parking lot after 9:00 a.m. You can park at the Juniper Campground parking lot and take a shuttle to the Visitor Center from there.

Actual Hike

The Falls Trail starts at the end of the Backpacker’s Parking Lot near the Visitor Center. The hike starts off climbing up the canyon wall as the stream rapidly falls down. The trail descends 400 vertical feet in its 1.5 mile length to the Upper Falls. This trail is not cleared of snow in the winter and can be extremely icy. There are steep dropoffs along the trail and bridges across the creek.

Text Author: Pam Bliss
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