Bandalier

Would Bandalier be enjoyable in January in the cold, or would the trails be snow covered and icy? Also, we would be travelling with a 7 month old in a pack. When I look at pictures I see ladders and stuff. We are pretty avid hikers, but would this be appropirate? Thanks for the help!

Bandalier

Yes and No!! It%26#39;s unpredictable.

I would go to Bandalier anyway. It is a magical place. If the day is Sunny (even if cold) it will be good. The section with the ladders will probably be clear of snow and ice. The hiking trails will not be cleared unless the snow melts it.

I would dress for the weather, bring a picnic and a thermos of Hot Chocolate and/or coffee.

Since you are in ABQ, choose your day carefully. Avoid a day when snow predicted.

Have fun!

Bandalier

One of the things that immediately strikes one who visits ancient ruins is how carefully the site to build the living structures on was chosen.

I%26#39;ve visited dozens of Pueblan and Anasazi ruins throughout the Southwest and nearly all of them face south or on cliff faces that get some sun during the day. This was probably because it is a lot harder to stay warm in the winter than it is to cool off in the summer.

The main ';trail'; at Bandelier is paved for much of its length to provide handicap accessibility and all the ladders you are seeing are optional.

The ';Falls Trail'; is beautiful but is situated on the south edge of the canyon, so it receives little sun because of the high cliff wall behind it. I%26#39;ve found it to be kind of icy and snow covered for much of the winter and wouldn%26#39;t recommend it for your particular circumstances despite its beauty.

The Jemez Mts. and Los Alamos area just got a real good dumping of snow the last two days and the park was actually closed today. It is one of the only times I%26#39;ve seen this happen in the five years of living less than a half hour away and being a very regular hiker there.

The Tsankawi unit is very worth seeing, but it has a few unavoidable ladders. The trail clears up after just a day or two of moderate temperatures and sunshine due to its exposed south facing nature.

Hope any of this helps.