Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±


On the way to the main canyon you'll pass these little-visited ruins, located near the intersection of Hwy 502 and Hwy 4. If you're out for a full day and have the time, definitely stop here. A 1.5-mile loop trail follows an ancient footpath, up ladders to the mesa top to visit the ruins of a 15th-century pueblo, before winding down the cliff face on the opposite side, passing cave dwellings and petroglyphs.

Unexcavated and undeveloped, the trail feels much more wild than the main canyon, and the landscapes are simply spectacular. There are no roadside signs for the trailhead. As soon as you turn onto Hwy 4, keep your eyes peeled for a gravel parking lot on the left-hand side – it's less than a quarter-mile from the intersection. You can also find directions and a map on the park website.


Contact

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bradbury Science Museum

4.43 MILES

You can't actually visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was conceived, but the Bradbury Science Museum has compelling…

3. Art Center at Fuller Lodge

4.63 MILES

Built in 1928 to serve as the dining hall for the local boys' school, Fuller Lodge, alongside the historical museum, was purchased by the US government…

4. Los Alamos Historical Museum

4.64 MILES

Several historic sites along Bathtub Row comprise this engaging museum, which spotlights the most notable inhabitants of the mesa. Pay admission and pick…

5. Alcove House

6 MILES

Perched 450ft above the canyon floor, this lofty ceremonial cave is reached by climbing four ladders. At the top you'll find a reconstructed kiva. There's…

6. Bandelier National Monument

6.2 MILES

Bandelier's 1.2-mile Main Loop Trail in Frijoles Canyon offers an excellent introduction to the main ruins and history of the park. The trail first passes…

7. San Ildefonso Pueblo

6.3 MILES

Eight miles west of Pojoaque along Hwy 502, this ancient pueblo traces its origins back to Bandelier and Mesa Verde. It’s best known now as the birthplace…

8. Puyé Cliff Dwellings

8.4 MILES

Several tours explore these ancient ruins, 5 miles west of the Santa Clara Pueblo at the entrance to Santa Clara Canyon. Abandoned around 1500, they’re…