Bandelier Wilderness Area

Bandelier Wilderness Area spans nearly 25,000 acres of remote backcountry in northern New Mexico, offering backpackers and hikers a chance to explore primitive terrain far from roads and motors. This is true wilderness—no vehicles, no mechanized travel, no developed infrastructure. You'll find solitude and the freedom of self-reliant travel, but that comes with the responsibility of Leave No Trace ethics: pack out what you pack in, camp away from water sources, and minimize your footprint.

Access is on foot or horseback only. The landscape and climate vary with elevation and season, so plan accordingly. Summer brings warm days but also afternoon thunderstorms; spring and fall offer milder conditions and fewer crowds. Winter snow can close high-elevation routes and make travel hazardous. The National Park Service manages this area under strict wilderness rules—come prepared with a map, water knowledge, and self-sufficiency. This is a place for experienced backcountry travelers seeking quiet, untrammeled country.