Bandelier National Park is about an hour northwest
of Santa Fe (and that town is a fine place to
go after your outing for food or some southwest
culture).
My girlfriend and I went in mid-April of 1998
and planned to a week-long backpacking trip through
the park. Our visit was cut short due to unusually
high amounts of rain and snow that spring. It was
still an awesome trip for the days we were able to hike.
The best place to begin a visit is the park's visitor
center. That's where you get the answers to your questions
and sign up for your backcountry permit.
From there we hiked through the canyon, past ancient
cliff dwellings that had been made accessible with ladders
affixed to the walls. We continued through the canyon and
up and above it for great views.
This is high mountain desert and you can access mountains
from here if you choose. Go see it for yourself you will
love it. You can e-mail me if you want more information.
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