Visit Bandelier National Monument for History and Hummingbirds

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ancient History

Take the Main Loop Trail at Bandelier National Monument to view archaeological sites with structures and petroglyphs created by the Pueblo people thousands of years ago. Along the trail, wooden ladders allow you to enter carved dwellings called cavates that dot the cliffsides. 

Hummingbird Hotspot

Spot black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds nesting along the creek, easily accessible from the visitor center. Arrive early for the best bird-watching and to park in the area, avoiding the shuttle that’s required after 9 a.m. in peak season. Discover more hummingbird species to look for in the west.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wildlife Habitat

Take the Falls Trail for a taste of the diversity of habitats, birds and wildlife found across the monument’s 33,000 acres. The path features over a mile of elevation changes, spanning canyons, creeks, mesas, meadows and a waterfall. Check out these spectacular national park birding sites.

Explore the Backcountry

Get off the beaten path. Backcountry trails allow visitors to explore from the Rio Grande to the summit of Cerro Grande Peak, the highest point. But if striking out into the wilderness gives you pause, try a ranger-led tour instead. During these hikes, which are as short as 4 miles, rangers offer glimpses of rarely seen terrain, geology and wildlife. Contact the Visitor Center at Bandelier National Monument for dates and locations.