Fall is the best time of year to visit Santa Fe, thanks partly to the spectacular pops of bright color from the Aspen trees, the cool, crisp, and mild weather, and the vibrant events and activities across northern New Mexico. Fall is also a fantastic time to explore cultural attractions without the busy summer crowds – including the Bandelier cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument.
The Bandelier Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico offer an unforgettable glimpse into the ancient history of the Southwest. Located within Bandelier National Monument, these cliffside homes tell the story of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here over 800 years ago. Hiking the Main Loop Trail, you can explore the ruins and climb ladders into preserved dwellings, all set against the rugged beauty of Frijoles Canyon. With cooler weather and stunning foliage, it’s the perfect time to enjoy this historic and sacred destination.
While Bandelier National Monument is a must-see, the surrounding area offers plenty more to experience. After you visit the cliff dwellings, take a scenic drive through the Jemez Mountains or visit the Los Alamos Historical Museum to learn more about the area’s unique past. Santa Fe, just an hour’s drive from Bandelier, is rich with art galleries, shops, and historic sites like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Canyon Road. The crisp fall air adds to the charm of walking around Santa Fe’s vibrant downtown.
For a relaxing place to stay, consider El Farolito Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe. This charming Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast combines authentic Southwestern style with modern comforts. It’s the perfect base for exploring northern New Mexico, offering easy access to both Bandelier National Monument and Santa Fe’s many attractions. Book your room at our elevated Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast today!
Hike to the Bandelier Cliff Dwellings
Northern New Mexico offers visitors a striking landscape filled with canyons, desert mesas, towering mountains, and breathtaking views that stretch for miles. Tucked within these landscapes are centuries of history and culture. Nowhere is this more prevalent than at Bandelier National Monument, home to some of the most famous ancient cliff dwellings in the Southwest. The legacy of the Bandelier cliff dwellings stretches back at least 11,000 years to the ancient Pueblo communities that once dominated these landscapes.
Bandelier National Monument is the ancestral home of at least 23 tribes that are Native to New Mexico. These Pueblo communities were active in the area from around 1150 CE to 1550. The most direct descendants of these ancient tribes are thought to be the Cochiti Pueblo people. Today, the Bandelier National Monument offers a stunning and well-preserved glimpse into these ancient communities, with Petroglyphs, the Bandelier cliff dwellings on the rock cliffs, and the masonry walls still standing.
The Bandelier cliff dwellings and other historic sites at the Bandelier National Monument are popular attractions, with the busiest times of year being between May and October. Outside of those times often means a much more peaceful and leisurely experience. While at the monument, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Bandelier cliff dwellings. You’ll see many of them along the 1.4-mile Pueblo Loop Trail trail. This hike takes around 45 minutes and involves climbing ladders into small alcoves called cavates. The Main Pueblo Loop Trail takes you past the Big Kiva, Tyuonyi, Talus House, and Long House.
As you hike along the Pueblo Loop Trail, you’ll also come to a side trail that leads to Alcove House. Alcove House is one of the most impressive Bandelier cliff dwellings, standing 140 feet off the ground. This site is considered home to approximately 25 Ancestral Pueblo people. It’s reached by four wooden ladders and several stone stairs. In addition to the Bandelier cliff dwellings, here are other main attractions within Bandelier National Monument:
- Hike 3 miles along Falls Trail, which leads to the beautiful Upper Falls.
- Hike the Frijoles Canyon Trail, a stunning journey that also passes by the Ancestral Pueblo “Long House” dwelling.
- Enjoy the incredible wildlife in the area, including snakes, butterflies, birds, and more.
- Don’t miss the Tsankawi Section of Bandelier National Monument, 12 miles from the central portion of the park. Here, you’ll see more cavates, petroglyphs, and the Ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi.
- Enjoy cultural demonstrations from ancient Pueblos.
Call Our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast Home
Bandelier National Monument and the associated cliff dwellings of these ancient tribal communities are about an hour away from our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast, making it an easy day trip to enjoy while you’re exploring the best of northern New Mexico this fall. In fact, from here, you can be to many of the top destinations in northern New Mexico within 90 minutes, including the artsy town of Taos, home to the ancient Taos Pueblo, small northern New Mexico towns like Chimayó, the famed art studios along the scenic High Road to Taos, and beautiful outdoors destination like the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
In addition to these excellent day trip options, there are plenty of things to do right here in Santa Fe. That makes our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast a great place to stay. From here, you’re within walking distance of the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the New Mexico Capital, and all of the city’s top attractions – and easy driving distance to all the top attractions, like Bandelier National Monument.
Aside from being well-located near all the top things to do in Santa Fe, our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast offers a quaint and elevated lodging experience. Unlike traditional, larger hotels, our accommodations are intimate and perfect for quiet, cozy, and romantic weekends away. We offer eight guest rooms at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast, each appointed with fantastic furnishings, art, and antiques and with plenty of modern amenities. This small size lets us get to know our guests and offer them exceptional, personalized service.
We’ve truly curated a high-end lodging experience for our guests, complete with concierge service and a delicious gourmet breakfast that is included in the cost of your stay. Start your breakfast with freshly roasted coffee and fresh juices and teas. From there, enjoy a delicious pastry or fresh-baked bread and fruit. When you’re ready, we’ll bring you a custom-ordered entree for the day, which varies daily and with the seasons.
There truly is no place quite like our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast. Don’t miss this exciting city in the fall – book a stay at the city’s top-rated Bed and Breakfast today!
