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| Frijoles Canyon |
The main section of Bandelier National Monument is found in Cañón de los Frijoles or "Canyon of Beans". Beyond this canyon is the Bandelier Wilderness and several other canyons.
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| Canyon Wall |
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| Detailed View of Canyon Wall |
My visit turned out to be a wonderful mixture of human and geological history. I was equally struck by the ingenuity of the ancient dwellings and the grandeur of the natural landscape.
Pueblo Loop
Along the canyon walls of Frijoles Canyon are numerous dwellings, both in the cliffs and on the canyon floor.
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| Cliff Dwellings |
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Tyuonyi
(circular village of interconnected multi-storied dwellings) |
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| Talus House |
In a couple of places, I was able to climb up and into the cliff.
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Entrance to Cliff Dwelling
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| Interior of Cliff Dwelling |
I marveled at how geological forces, weather, and time had shaped the area.
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| Canyon Wall |
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| "Moth-Eaten" Rocks |
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| Seemingly Hollow |
While the canyon was filled with many plants and trees of the high desert, this one stood out with its beauty.
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| Sacred Datura |
Long House
Long House is an 800-foot stretch of what was once adjoining, multi-storied stone homes with carved caves as back rooms.
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| Long House |
You can see the remnants of the foundations and walls that stood next to canyon walls, the holes where support logs were fitted, and the carved caves.
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| Section of Long House |
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| Another Perspective |
Petroglyphs can be seen all across the surface of the canyon wall in this area.
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Dog
(at least that's what it looks like to me) |
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Humanoid
(not sure if it portrays a human, god, or something else) |
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Parrot
(according to the guidebook) |
Another rock formation caught my attention.
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| Multi-Colored and Oddly Shaped |
Alcove House
Alcove House was once home to about 25 Ancestral Pueblo people. It differs from the other dwellings due to its location much higher on the cliff. I could only view it from afar as it was closed due to temporarily unsafe conditions with the stone steps and wooden ladders used to gain access.
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Alcove House
(140 feet above the canyon floor) |
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| Closer View of Entrance |
Again, the canyon wall was an attraction unto itself.
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| Intricate Designs |
Upper Frijoles Falls
Flowing along the canyon is Rito de los Frijoles or "Creek of Beans". I hiked the trail that followed the creek bed, which was currently dry. When water is flowing, it reaches two waterfalls and eventually meets the Rio Grande.
I found the shapes of the rock formations along the trail to be intriguing.
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| Light Colors Stand Out Amid Dark Background |
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| Swiss Cheese |
I came across interesting and beautiful plants as well.
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| Tall Evening Primrose |
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| Stretchberry |
The canyon walls were both impressive and strange.
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| Canyon Wall |
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| Closer View |
Rocks that seemingly sprung up out of the ground dotted the landscape.
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| Coneheads |
One set arose right next to the trail.
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| Cluster by the Trail |
And while I didn't get to see actual water falling, I still found it interesting to get a good view of how the water had carved its way over and through the rock.
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| Upper Frijoles Falls |
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