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Bandalier National Monument - Frey Trail

Name: Bandalier National Monument - Frey Trail
Rating: 3.50

Type: Trail

Length: 1.50 Miles

Elevation Gain: 550 Feet

Cost: $12.00

Rating:

(3.50)1

Difficulty: 2stars

(2.00)

Solitude:

(1.50)

ADA Accessible: No

Bikes Allowed: N/A

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: No

Address: 15 Entrance Road

City: Los Alamos

County: Los Alamos

More Information: More Info

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Photos

This cliff dwelling community is where many Native Americans once called home. (Photo by Blaze)

Part of the trail takes you along a massive cliff where there are ancient ruins and petroglyphs. (Photo by Blaze)

There are LOTS of petroglyphs carved into the cliff and rocks if you look carefully. (Photo by Blaze)

Ladders provide access into some of the ancient homes in the cliff holes. (Photo by Blaze)

One of the many kivas located on the canyon floor. (Photo by Blaze)

This trailhead branches off the Main Loop Trail and takes you into the backcountry (permit required) where there is a network of wilderness trails. (Photo by Blaze)

The canyon has been prone to flash flooding, so exercise caution during periods during/after heavy rains. (Photo by Blaze)

A scenic view of the canyon. (Photo by Blaze)

The cliffs are riddled with holes from erosion. (Photo by Blaze)

This is where the trail starts on top of the canyon. (Photo by Blaze)

This is the sign at the entrance of the National Monument. (Photo by Blaze)

Log Entries

Frey, Main Loop, and Alcove House Trails
By Blaze on 8/24/2014
Rating: 3point5stars

Difficulty: 2stars

Solitude:

Distance: 4.70 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

This logs covers my hike of the Frey, Main Loop and Alcove House Trails.

I started my hike from the parking lot at the top of the canyon and hiked down the Frey Trail to the bottom where the Main Loop trail is. At first, the views from the Frey Trail were not very impressive, but once I got close to the canyon the views were breathtaking!

Once at the bottom, I hiked the Main Loop Trail out to the Alcove House Trail. The views were great and seeing the ancient settlement in the cliffs was very interesting.

The highlight of my hike was the Alcove House Trail. Once you get to the bottom of the cliff where the Alcove House is, you have to climb up several ladders to get to the Alcove. It is very adventurous, but rewarding. The view of the canyon below from the alcove is beautiful.

Once I descended from the alcove, I caught the Main Loop Trail back to the Visitor's Center and caught the shuttle bus back to the parking lot on top where my car was parked.

I really enjoyed Bandalier National Monument. There are many trails here, especially in the back country. You can get a permit and easily spend a week hiking in the canyon and hills. I hope to come back one day soon to do exactly that!