Bandelier National Monument Camping Adventure
Bandelier National Monument is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, rich Native American history, and stunning natural landscapes, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people. We’ll wrap up the trip exploring the charm of Santa Fe!
TRIP DATES:
May 12 – 16, 2027
Trip Length
5 Days
$3000 Per Person
Bandelier National Monument is known for its ancient cliff dwellings, rich Native American history, and stunning natural landscapes, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the ancestral Pueblo people. We’ll wrap up the trip exploring the charm of Santa Fe!
This trip is suitable for beginners or folks looking for an adult summer camp experience. Trade friendship bracelets, sing songs around the campfire, and pick out constellations in the night sky, all while learning critical camping and outdoor skills.
Activities
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
- Camping
Included
- Medically trained, naturalist guides
- Park entry fees and permits
- All meals as outlined below
- Accommodations as outlined below
- Group camp gear
Not Included
- Flights
- Gratuity for your guide
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
Weather
May in New Mexico is generally warm and dry. While in the park, you will be traveling between 5,000 feet and 10,000 feet in elevation, so expect varying weather conditions and pack layers.
Intensity – Moderate
For Whom: Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
Physical Intensity Level: Requires a basic fitness level; intermittent periods of activity.
Terrain Difficulty: Generally easy trails, some uneven surfaces, and minor elevation changes.
Distances: Expect moderate walking for up to 5 hours per day, up to 6 miles.
Accomodations
- Double occupancy campsite
- Single occupancy hotel reservations
Flights
Plan to arrive in Santa Fe by 11:00 AM on the first day.
Your trip ends at 11:00 AM on the final day at the Santa Fe Airport. Please choose a flight that leaves at 12:30 PM or later.
Visiting Bandelier National Monument offers a chance to explore ancient cliff dwellings and hike through dramatic canyons. In nearby Santa Fe, vibrant art, rich history, and unique adobe architecture create an unforgettable Southwestern atmosphere.
Day One
You’ll want to arrive in Santa Fe by 11:00 AM. Plan to provide your own lunch after you arrive at the airport and before your pickup. After your pickup, we’ll drive to our campsite in Bandelier National Monument (1 hour). We’ll work together to set up camp before going on our first hike of the trip at the Pueblo Loop Trail. If time permits, we may also hike down to a nearby waterfall! After the hike, we’ll return to camp for a delicious meal and settle in for the night.
*Required Flight Arrival at Santa Fe Airport, before 11:00 AM
Meals: D
Day Two
The highest point in Bandelier is Cerro Grande. Today you’ll spend the day hiking to the peak!! We’ll hike about 4.5 miles round-trip and gain about 1200 feet of elevation to the summit. Along this hike, you will have spectacular views of Bandelier and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, where we’ll head next! The rest of the day is spent hiking through this preserve, which features open meadows, winding creeks, and ancient volcanic domes. There will be plenty of time to learn about the important people who called this palace home. Settle back at camp with a delicious meal and a campfire!
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the campsite before continuing to explore the Frijoles Canyon area of the park. After a picnic lunch, we’ll drive to the Tsankawi section of Bandelier, where we’ll hike along a mesa and climb ladders in search of cave cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and the ancestral Pueblo village of Tsankawi! At the village, we’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Jemez Mountains and Los Alamos.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
After breakfast and packing up camp, we’ll enjoy a relaxing dip and showers at a local hot springs spa. Once refreshed, we’ll set off to explore the city of Santa Fe, known for its architecture and local arts scene. Enjoy leisure time at the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can peruse Native American-owned art and jewelry stores. In the evening, settle into your much-needed hotel for a nice shower and a farewell dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Enjoy a final breakfast before saying “until next time” as you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
*Required Flight departure from Santa Fe Airport, after 11:00 AM
Meals: B
*Itinerary is subject to change due to park conditions, trail and road closures, safety concerns, and timing adjustments. Your guide will always work with you to provide the best experience and keep you informed of any changes in plans.
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Day pack (15-30L)
- Pack cover
- Reusable water bottles and/or water bladder for day pack (3 liters per day)
- Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees or below (available to rent)
- Headlamp
- Lip balm with SPF
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Hiking poles
- Travel pillow
- Small, quick dry towel
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (biodegradable & scent-free)
- Earplugs
- Personal first aid kit (with blister treatment)
- Camera
- Journal & pen
- Trekking poles
Required Clothing
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Hiking pants
- Wool socks (1 pair per day)
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket
- Breathable wicking base layers (wool recommended)
- Fleece or mid-layer
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Hat with brim
- Warm clothes for sleeping
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Sunshirt with UPF
- Restaurant clothes
- Sandals or camp shoes
- Comfy clothes for camp
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Can we adjust the start time or trip length?
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is a common way to say thanks to your guides for all their hard work. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated! A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the total trip cost, split among the guides. Alternatively, many guests choose to tip $25-$50 per day, per guide. You can either autopay gratuity when checking out, or you can pay the guide in person. Ultimately, the amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. Whatever you choose, the guides will appreciate it!
Do you offer payment plans?
Are there age requirements?
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!