Into The Heart Of Bandelier
In the eastern range of the Jemez Mountains lies a stretch of land encompassing the Pajarito Plateau and the Bandelier National Monument; a land built from volcanic ash where dynamic geological forces weave the story of migration and settlement of ancestral Pueblo Peoples.
Hike + Culture + Cuisine
Our journey from Santa Fe starts as you travel with your field guide in a Luxury SUV towards the southern entrance of Bandelier National Monument where evidence of human activity dates back more than 10,000 years. Adolph Bandelier, an anthropologist from Switzerland who first visited in October of 1880 remarked, “it is the grandest thing I ever saw.”
Beneath the shady Frijoles Creek cottonwood trees we will set an epicurean picnic, complete with blanketed tablecloths and enamelware and champagne.
Then after lunch you will explore and hike 1.25 miles through this archeological and wilderness preserve where deep sheer walled lush canyons and wide-open vista mesa tops unveil an ancient civilization that resided within the cliff dwellings of the canyon walls.
As you make your way on the paved path to visit the village of Tyuonyi, you will find the one to two story high cliff dwellings that has the quality of an ancient apartment structure that housed over 100 people. Continuing along the trail you wind your way up into the cliff walled houses, classified as cavates, where most had stone rooms built in front of them called Talus Houses. Our hike culminates alongside the Long House where the people built multi-storied abodes along the cliff base and carved petroglyphs into the cliff.
Finally, you’ll return to the Visitor Center along the nature trail and through the fragrant old growth ponderosa pine forest for your journey back to Santa Fe, where you can continue to learn more from your field guide about the residents of Bandelier as well as the modern-day pueblos of San Idlefonso, Santa Clara and Cochiti.
What’s Included
DIFFICULTY RATING: 3
1 = Easy | 3 = Moderate | 5 = Difficult
GUEST MIN/MAX: 1 min / 6 max
Hiking Terrain Elevation at 6,600 ft
Involves some climbing and narrow places between rocks. We will climb 3 ladders along the trail.
TRAVELER TIPS
At high elevations and in a dry climate, proper hydration, warm breathable layers, and sun protection is a necessity. New Mexico weather can also change without much notice.
Bandelier National Park is located 50 miles northwest of Santa Fe. Our drive will be 1 hour each direction.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This Experience Is Very Limited. Please Sign Up Early To Secure This Opportunity.
Heritage Inspirations & The Inn Of The Five Graces
Heritage Inspirations is the preeminent luxury adventure company in New Mexico, and as Forbes Magazine points out, “one of the few truly high-end, meaningful, genuine, and sustainability-minded travel companies operating in the United States.”
Bringing a lifetime of invaluable insights and connections, Heritage Inspirations draws on their closest relationships to thoughtfully illuminate the incredible people, cultural sites, traditions, magnificent landscapes, and natural wonders for our guests.
Together with the Five Graces Private Experiences team, we have crafted highly curated, all-inclusive guided tours specifically designed to inspire ‘core memories’ that will endure long after the journey ends.
*Five Graces Private Experiences, offered in partnership with Heritage Inspirations, are exclusively available to guests of The Inn.
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