While there are endless hikes in New Mexico, this hike in the famous Bandelier National Monument is not only surrounded by breathtaking nature, it will also take you up close and personal with the homes of Ancestral Pueblo people. This trail won’t take too much out of you physically, but it is absolutely astonishing to see a piece of Southwest history like this up close and personal. There are dozens of hikes in Los Alamos, and especially within Bandelier, but this canyon hike with a ladder up to ancient alcoves is truly a one-of-a-kind hiking experience in the Land of Enchantment.
Welcome to Alcove House Trail within the Bandelier National Monument in Los Alamos! Bandelier is one of the most important monuments in our state, as it preserves some of the Southwest’s most important history.
Darcy Wheeler/AllTrails
This 33,677-acre park is full of breathtaking nature, but it’s also home to a beautiful canyon hike that’s home to so much more than amazing views.
Cara Ricci/AllTrails
Alcove House Trail is a 2.6-mile loop that appears right after the Main Loop Trail within Bandelier. Although this trail won’t take much out of you, you’ll be swept away by the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people that used to call this land their home.
Paul Sawicki/AllTrails
This well-preserved home within the trail used to be known as Ceremonial Cave, and is located high above the canyon—over 140 feet. If you’re afraid of heights, you may want to sit this portion of the hike out.
Darcy Wheeler/AllTrails
There are tall wooden ladders up to the ancient home. Weather permitting, you can make the climb up to the home and imagine what it must have been like to carry supplies up to your home. The ladder can become icy and very dangerous if there’s snow or rain, so be aware of any closures.
Megan Montgomery/AllTrails
Inside the home there is a reconstructed kiva, and remnants of other homes. It’s said that these homes held up to 25 Pueblo people. While exploring around, please respect this sacred area.
Cara Ricci/AllTrails
The hike back around is just as breathtaking, as the canyon engulfs your surroundings and the vast wilderness surrounds you. There are simply no views in New Mexico quite like this.
David Haigh/AllTrails
Bandelier National Monument is home to some of our state’s richest history, and Alcove House Trail is a sacred area that preserves the homes of Ancestral Pueblo people. Seeing these remnants of Southwest history is truly a privilege, and absolutely breathtaking.
Megan Montgomery/AllTrails Address: 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM, 87544.
For more information on Bandelier National Monument and the trails within, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
Have you ever climbed within an ancient home in this National Monument in Los Alamos? What was it like? We’d love to hear all about your trip in the comments, and don’t forget to then go share photos from your hiking adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured.
Darcy Wheeler/AllTrails
Cara Ricci/AllTrails
Paul Sawicki/AllTrails
Megan Montgomery/AllTrails
David Haigh/AllTrails
Address: 15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM, 87544.
For more information on Bandelier National Monument and the trails within, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
For another unique nature hike in the Land of Enchantment, check out this trail that will lead you straight to the most refreshing swimming hole in New Mexico.
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