It's Crazy That You're Still Allowed to Climb This!

In this video I visit a national monument and a town that are brand new to me and then head off the beaten path into the nearby mountains.
DATE FILMED: Early April 2024
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► The SUV RVing Facebook Group: / suvrving
GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** Trailhead at the visitor center: 35.778872, -106.270916
** Alcove House: 35.789030, -106.285308
** Ice house at Ashley Pond: 35.880290, -106.303148
** Oppenheimer and Groves statues: 35.881600, -106.301980
** Cabin, fire cache, Ancestral Puebloan ruins: 35.882809, -106.301526
** Oppenheimer House: 35.883999, -106.301772
** Yuan’s Dumpling and Noodle House: maps.app.goo.gl/29qpG9eeEv2qL...
** Natural Arch trailhead (Mitchell Trailhead): 35.903590, -106.326535
** Natural Arch: 35.91180, -106.33441
** LA Mountain (aka Mt. Los Alamos): 35.90087, -106.33385
** Campsite: I'm not going to give out the coordinates for this one because I'm not entirely sure I was supposed to camp there (or more specifically, drive to this campsite). On the drive out the next morning, I saw a small sign that I didn't see on the way in that said something about motor vehicles not being allowed on the road I took to get here, even though the road wasn't blocked or anything, so... 🤷‍♂️
VIDEO LINKS
Chaco Canyon video 1: • EXPLORING CHACO CANYON...
Chaco Canyon video 2: • Nowhere Else in the WO...
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#adventure #travel #camping

[@user-gz2hf3iy3u]

I grew up in Los Alamos, and Bandelier was my childhood playground. I climbed those ladders without thinking twice as a child - now, they terrify me! You did a great job on this video. I have watched many videos about visits to Bandelier and Los Alamos, but you are the only one that walked the trails behind Los Alamos and saw the natural arch and LA hill. Those views are such an intimate part of me. Very well done!

[@joycekleinert5908]

Thanks so much for bringing us these videos. I’m 86 years old and never knew this place existed. I enjoy your videos even though sometimes I’m on the edge of my chair!! I’m afraid of heights. Thank you again.

[@SUVRVing]

Thank you so much for watching! 😁

[@robertsurtees4380]

The 506 feet is a reference to the Tyuonyi Overlook which sits 506 feet above Bandelier.

[@falconsooner]

Tristan, if you ever go back to the area you need to do the Tsankawi hike. You will be literally walking in the footseps of those living there several hundred years ago. Coolest and most atmospheric hike I have ever done.

[@aimeedomal6455]

I took my first roadtrip to NM. Just me and my dog, Auggie. We camped in the Roswell 👽 area (Bottomless Lakes State Park) for a couple of nights, then headed north to Santa Fe and ended in Taos. It was such an adventure! Love NM. This video brings back such great memories. I lost my Auggie last year, but will take next year's month long trip to WY and SD with my new pup, Sherman.

[@ktauxe]

I'm a Los Alamos resident and I want you to know that you did an excellent job showcasing a few things around the area. I hate painted rocks (I'm a geologist) and that land is Santa Fe National Forest and eventually the high school seniors were made to realize that they cannot paint the rocks there. There are lots of really cool trails around (just past Alcove House is one) and nice little museums also (The Historical Museum plus Hans Bethe house - the Oppenheimer house is not yet available for the public). You would also find the Valles Caldera very interesting.

[@richardgibbs5565]

I was a maintenance worker at Bandelier when that sign was put there. You have to know the person responsible for signage back then to understand. I still think it’s an odd sign.

[@wanderlust62]

After listening to an elderly retired man who worked for the government putting up signs on Highway 50, finding it so interesting that I am always looking for the history of signage now!

[@Lwof1025]

I'm a lifelong New Mexican, have been to Bandelier hundreds of times, but I never knew about the dumpling restaurant or that amazing arch. Thanks for respecting our State with this video.

[@brkaz5864]

Actually is was Oppenheimer who first suggested Los Alamos as the location for the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer was ill as a teenager and was sent to New Mexico to recover in the dry desert air. He grew to love the area. Graves was the architect of the project. Both men worked closely to bring about Los Alamos, Manhattan Project and Trinity.

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know! Thanks for watching.

[@StevenPhillips-sx6ut]

I was a seasonal park ranger at Bandelier in 1977. It is a special place. It’s worth mentioning that there is backcountry hiking in the park for those with more time and physical stamina.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Mr. Pond’s daughter Peggy wrote the remarkable book The House at Otowi Bridge, on the. life of Edith Warner, who befriended both the people of San Ildefonso Pueblo, and later the scientists. You pass Otowi Bridge when approaching Los Alamos from Santa Fe.

[@RicG.]

They put 506 feet on the sign just to make you wonder why they put the 6 extra feet on it, or just to drive you crazy. 😅 🤣 😂

[@SUVRVing]

Nailed it 😄

[@user-sb3pt4kx3h]

My kids and I visited BANDELIER in 2017. Loved it. The caldera too

[@lindamorassi4458]

Loved this-we have been going to Northern New Mexico for 38 years and will head there again in late September. The love affair with that area began with our first visit to Bandelier National Monument in 1985. We have hiked many trails within the monument as well as trails around Los Alamos, Jemez Falls, the Caldera, and Taos! The energy in that area is almost palpable! We live in MA.

[@MsThebeMoon]

Wow. I've only drove a little bit through NM and have been considering moving there from Arkansas - various reasons. I've been looking at Google Maps to see which area I can affordably retire in. Probably don't want to go to far west as my family and old friends are on the east coast.

[@deborahm6036]

I truly enjoyed the diversity of this video. I appreciate the intimate view of the Los Alamos area. My Aunt and Uncle were there, working on the Manhattan Project, and this gave me a better feel of their stories .

[@jeffreykreiley7265]

Taking tweens here who love to climb would be a great birthday present.

[@alchristensen8121]

When I saw in the previous video you were camped in the Jemez Mountains I said to the screen, "If you haven't been to Bandelier, go!" You must've heard me.

[@TheAverageGuy12]

Amazing video. The contrast of the indigenous and the modern (1940's) was great. If you ever make it to Australia you will notice the similarity with a town called Woomera in South Australia. A rocket range from the 1950's. Thank you.

[@jzobrien8329]

we visited Bandolier a year ago. We too were surprised at how much we enjoyed it. Kudos for how well you portrayed it.

[@kathietee291]

Tristan, thanks so much for this video. New Mexico is just amazing. I’ve been to Bandelier, however kept firmly planted on terra firma, I hate to say. Just walked the trails and watched the family climb. Wish I had tried it now. If you ever get discouraged , just know you are making many people happy, and grateful for what you bring us!

[@lynnef3297]

👋😃👍Thanks, Tristan. I really enjoyed this vlog. It had quite the variety and I loved the indigenous ruins, hiking and Los Alamos. ❤

[@sharondavis8003]

Bandolier Park was amazing but too scary for me to climb😮 Bet the ancient people would have loved to have ladders instead of however they climbed up to the settlement. Favorite part was up the last ladder you climbed to the area with all the archways! Like an ancient condo. Also loved the random park bench to observe the fantastic views 😊 Great trip, Tristan. 👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

[@irishpenny1981]

How exciting it was to see one of your videos that we actually experienced ourselves! My husband did this climb in late April for his 69th birthday while my sister and I sat below on the bench and held our breath lol. Been avid watchers since the pandemic began and truly love all your videos. Thanks for posting.

[@peanuts1173]

Definitely scared to climb that tiny ladder. I'm grateful for young people who have no fear and all the abilities to get around. Thank you for sharing!

[@seanwgg]

Bandelier is such a underrated little park. Kids especially love all the climbing and caves. And what a peaceful little canyon

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great spot! I liked it more than I thought I would.

[@MsThebeMoon]

Underrated parks are the best --- less tourists if any.

[@seanwgg]

@@MsThebeMoon Yep, thats probably why I enjoy the national monuments more than all the big parks.

[@bernieromero9366]

I also want to thank you for your adventures. 👍👍👍👍

[@chriswells156]

Maybe the 506 sign makes it more interesting and memorable, increasing the chance folks will stop. Private communities often post speed limits of odd numbers-say, 23 or 17-to increase the chances folks will notice them and obey. Not sure if these odd signs work as intended, but you proved that they get folks thinking about them.

[@SUVRVing]

Huh, good point!

[@markvanderstelt8999]

Oppenheimer was a Great Movie.

[@margaretbutler9528]

A better book about the Manhattan Project is 109 E. Palace.

[@Barley150]

Thanks, Tristan, for showing us these striking scenes -- natural and otherwise.

[@spacerx]

New Mexico is underrated s an outdoor destination. Malpais, Ghost Ranch, the Gila River, etc. It's chock full of cool stuff.

[@rickrutledge9363]

I grew up in White Rock, just a few miles from Bandelier. When I was a teen, I'd challenge myself to go up these ladders by foot only, without hands. Not sure if I could pull that off now! 😊

[@Nonsensei-OG]

The way the "506 feet" marker captured your attention is perhaps the very reason it was put as such, rather than the usual rounded number of 500. A similar atypical signage is done on roads where they sincerely want drivers drive slowly, even though there are not enhanced legal penalties like with school zones, etc. There, instead of 20 mph, it might read 19 mph, and I have even seen it as 19 1/2 mph, which really grabs the attention and second consideration about keeping to the slow limit. Just speculating.

[@SUVRVing]

Huh, interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnCallender]

Heh. It’s like enrichment for zoo animals. Somewhere in the highway department one of our “keepers” wanted us to have a slightly more interesting day. And it worked!🙂

[@Garuda1415]

Perhaps the sign maker mis-read "500"; no one found it necessary to correct it.

[@JohnDuzzi]

When looking at google maps for Bandelier I noticed not far north of there in Colorado is the Great Sand Dune national park. Looks like a fun place to visit.

[@heyjude505nm]

I live in the area and have been to Bandelier at least a hundred times or more (really), but haven’t been to Alcove House in a while. I am astonished to see so many barriers now - these are relatively recent. Unfortunately there has been terrible vandalism in recent years. Bandelier is truly a special, wonderful place.

[@leisure057blank3]

Even back in those days, prime real estate came with a great view.

[@craftytraveler9238]

Thanks for the video. I have put Bandelier National Monument on my bucket list.

[@moloney0218]

If you're ever back in the jemez you should take a trip to the Gilman tunnels, it's on a one way road that used to be a railroad line for an old logging operation, pretty cool

[@markg3025]

Tristan you find all of the most amazing places. Another great video.

[@SUVRVing]

I try! 😄

[@delstanley1349]

Sometimes the letters on a mountain near a town or college is not the name of the town or college but sometimes its mascot. Many years ago I went for a year to New Mexico State U in Las Cruces. We had an "A" mountain for Aggies.

[@MegaGo68]

One of my favorite parts of the country, and you did it justice. Great camping spot at the end!

[@SUVRVing]

It's a beautiful little part of the world!

[@kwaste]

Looks like an amazing living complex of the ancients

[@richard_n]

I'm definitely adding the Alcove to my bucket list. That's so cool. New Mexico may be the most underrated state for natural beauty. I've driven across it at least twice.

[@buckeyeranger6438]

Very nice. Thks for taking us there. ☕️😎👣👣

[@thrivingnow7843]

I started the first climb, but freaked out because it was so high, I went back down. If I was in my twenties maybe I would have climbed all the ladders, but now I'm 66 and there's no way I would do it.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I appreciate your videos. Thank you for doing these for us.

[@willar7179]

Well, you’ve convinced me that next year when I head south for the winter I need to head home through Taos and Bandolier. That area looks beautiful and you made Los Alamos and the area around it sound very appealing.

[@Sophie-ei6zh]

We just did this very trail at Bandelier a couple of days ago! The ladder climbs are scary but so satisfying after completing them. The place is so fascinating! I enjoyed the footage of your hike to the natural arch. Thanks for your vids, Tristan!

[@TheWoodensong]

A most fascinating video…lotsa of cool stuff jammed into 32 minutes. Thanks Tristan! “Ol’ Scooter”…

[@robertross2596]

I did Bandelier on my 1st trip to the southwest in the early 1980s. I remember going up a series of ladders & recall the alcove you climbed to. It was great to see it after so many years....Kivas always are of great interest..Thanks!

[@dasak59]

Great video Tristan. I was at Bandelier N. M. last spring and it was an opportunity to relive the wonderful time I had there with friends as you traversed the trails I had walked. I do have a fear of heights and so I did not go up the big ladders (I know my limitations). I did however get into the other dwellings you filmed. It's a special place, no doubt. Thanks again, you never disappoint.

[@sheronlee152]

Yes about the rock letters painted on hills above New Mexico towns. I lived in Alamogordo and there's an A on the foothill there. White washing it used to be a high school thing seniors made freshmen do. Ah. Those were the days. Really liked this video.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreycarter3503]

a great day, interesting ruins and glyphs, good food, a nice hike and some good drone views and a nice campsite. I was there about 1980, liked the town, Bandelier was not developed at all, almost no access, the place that impressed me the most was the caldera a vast parkland where, I was told, was the crater of the volcano that spewed the tuff. Thanks for sharing...

[@marilynsommerdorf4519]

Hello Tristan I so enjoy your treks and videos about them. Before WWII my Mom and Dad visited this area including Bandelier. You are the first person I have heard having visited it too. My parents loved the site and other places in New Mexico. Thanks for sharing your insights as well. Happy Rails, Marilyn

[@Cowgirl77Hikes]

My favorite part was the ladder trail! Never been that far south even when living in California for 45 years 😅. Unreal. Loved all of it. Hopefully will find some good spots for camping.

[@michaelshuman3319]

That is so amazing ! It is hard to believe that people used to live in those places .. THANKS FOR THIS AMAZING VIDEO .

[@yuccavalleynan2074]

Epic drone coverage at the Arch Tristan! Making my palms sweat as I watch! Thx for showing us the awesome dwellings at the Park! Stay safe!

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Tristan, just today may 18th the Fb group When in New Mexico posted a century (1812) old photo of the kiva in Bandelier, with Julian Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo sitting on top of the kiva. Julian Martinez was the husband of famous potter Maria Martinez (and an artist in his own right)

[@catpatrick3838]

I've been to Los Alamos and had no idea those cliff dwellings even existed. Yet another place to add to the list. Not sure I could stomach the climb to Alcove House (I could make it up but coming down, not so much) but the rest is totally doable. The ruins of the external structures kinda remind me of Tuzigoot in AZ. Thanks for sharing this amazing place.

[@elflordsjourneys]

My wife and I visited Bandelier back in 1995 on our 10 anniversary, didn't climb that tall ladder but did climb the shorter ones and found the place very fascinating 😊

[@Jax4umalta]

Those ladders were kind of like Fred Flintstone ladders. I wish I didn’t have such a fear of heights. I love Native American stuff. This was a real treat to see. Thank you for sharing this stuff or I would never know about it. You live in an amazing side of the country, although Michigan, where I live has its own beauty. You and Cassie are welcome here anytime you want to visit the SleepingBear. It’s pretty spectacular here. Cheers Tristan.

[@birdman5223]

MrT you are the man😎 Absolutely on the “BucketList”

[@SUVRVing]

It definitely should be! Thanks for watching.

[@papergenius94127]

Hi Tristan, thanks for your wonderful video. Enjoyed that you included the Chinese restaurant and what you ate. Thanks Joyce😊

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

I AM afraid of heights and appreciate you taking me where I can't go!😉 Going up isn't a problem, it's coming down. I know my limitations. What a great video! Bandolier is pretty cool. My dad took us through Los Alamos and Alamogordo back in 1959 on our way to Ft. Sill. Not a clue about any ruins back then. It sure didn't look like it does now.

[@danya8798]

Thank you for authentic and cozy videos, it’s always pleasure to watch them. I’m very strict with how I spend my time, but again watching your videos is sort of exception in which I indulge

[@sueboobarela1669]

Hi Triston, I got to visit here about 30 years ago. I remember climbing one long ladder, I think they have made upgrades sense then. I was by myself and wanted to hike down to the Colorado River. For some reason I was spooked. I came across another single hiker and buddied up. This was back when the Colorado was overrun with a tree that turned most of the riverbanks into thickets. Can not remember the name of the tree but it was brought in to try and preserve the beaches. Anyway, I was freaked out by the possibility of Black Bear attack. When the hair on the back of my neck stands up, I pay attention, LoL Thanks for the memory refresh.

[@rnelsontn]

My first employment after graduation from veterinary school was in Los Alamos in 1976. I still have fond memories of people and the area, including Bandelier and San Ildefonso Pueblo. Bandelier has changed a great deal from those days. Hope to go back soon.

[@deborahgilstrap5872]

I climbed up there, and it was amazing! Climbing down was terrifying! But once you go up, you must go back down.

[@loriemarez]

Definitely one of my favorite places to visit! Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@peterschmitt9802]

Oak Ridge, Tennessee is also part of the Manhattan Project NHP (which is worth a visit if you're out this way)

[@BaryNusz]

Sketchy trails are the best trails!

[@MyShyCats]

I visited Bandalier and Los Alamos with a tour group. We didn’t climb those ladders to the Alcove though we looked in a lower ( one ladder) dwelling and saw a kiva and ruins in the canyon floor, loved seeing what I missed that day!! Also loved the natural aspects. And hikes and views in Los Alamos which our tour did not explore! Thanks so much for all the beauty!!

[@Sheet_music_eater]

When I was pretty young, probably in second grade, my family and I went out to New Mexico and went to bandolier. We went on the alcove trail, and it was incredible. I often fantasize about going back.

[@debrabalawajder2617]

That national monument was interesting and needs to be added to my list of places to see! Thanks!!

[@user-br6nm9tz4w]

Regarding the 506 feet sign, locals have an uncommon sense of humor. Back in the 1970s, at the end of the rock road leading to Angel Peak, there was a billboard size sign made of thick planks that was inscribed with Joyce Kilmer’s poem, The Tree. Only tree visible for miles around was a mangy 8 foot tall juniper. On the rim of the magnificent canyon close to the Angel Peak formation. Dry humor.

[@krismaki757]

I think my favorite part was to see how huge and complex the living areas were at Bandelier. My least favorite part was looking down the ladders you were on, lol. I got butterflies just watching it. Haha

[@WillN2Go1]

Cappadocia in Turkey where the homes are carved into the 'stacks' is also volcanic tuff, as are the stacks and sea caves near Pismo Beach, California. It's easy to dig in tuff, very soft. And always remember: Three points of contact at all times. There are 'ladders; in mountainous areas of Japan that are thicker logs, lower angles, but the gaps between the log 'rungs' is almost two feet. I climbed many of them, but not for a second did I think it was the best way to get hikers up a mountain.

[@lareekline8232]

I once saw a fine sign in a park in Florida that read $305! Like $300 was just not going to cut it! Thanks for doing the ladders for us so I could see what I missed when I was there. I loved Bandelier also but was not going to do those ladders!

[@dvdschaub]

Bandelier is my favorite park in NM. Glad the lawyers haven't discovered it. ;)

[@wanderlust62]

Loved this video... well, I love all of them, but this one in particular. I could never do that last ladder. Ready or not, vertigo here I come and at 62 he hit with a rush! I didn't get to this area in my last travels through NM. I'll have to plan it for the next time. When you got to the top of that hill, the first thing I saw was that bench! I was wondering, "Why isn't he sitting on that bench on the edge of the ridge?" 😆

[@jburnett8152]

I always enjoy your videos. I have never seen or even heard of the alcove with the steps and ladders. Another scary one is Angels in Zion Park. Enjoy the dumplings. Thanks so much.

[@robertaxyz]

I love that you are in NM!

[@johnchedsey1306]

Good timing on this video! I'm in the process of planning a visit to Bandelier in July so this just gets me even more excited about the visit! I think lunch in Los Alamos will definitely be on the table. No pun intended.

[@woodycarr]

Another great video! So cool to see these places I've never known about! Thanks!

[@brianlowen9946]

Amazing.

[@cindydinkins8138]

Thank you! I enjoy your videos and look forward to a new one each week.

[@BeaKennedy]

So cool. A friend gifted me a piece of Trinitite. Really interesting little rock.

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

Bandelier is a very unique place. Alcove house trail was closed when I was there because of ice. I really enjoyed hiking there.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Most places you go I think would be fun to go to…. In this case I’ll sit the ladders out!😂 But the canyon sure seems pretty.

[@michelleharrell8452]

You are right. Like almost flying in the air. Have to be skinny to pass thru that walkway.

[@santa3756]

Been there twice with young grandchild in NM. Excellent video.Thanks. from Korea.In case you visit Korea, I can rent my apt room free!!!

[@jacobgates1986]

Go check out puye cliffs ruins in the nearby Santa Clara Pueblo reservation. It's just as beautiful as bandelier and close by.

[@delstanley1349]

29:49 Maybe that extra "6 feet " is a warning! 500 feet to the viewing, BUT if you ain't careful perched there the world will VIEW YOU, as you go.....6 feet under !

[@josephinebustos8074]

I appreciate this video. This is another place I want to hike next time I go back to New Mexico.

[@dianespears6057]

Many thanks.

[@barbarajeanne8351]

What an amazing place!

[@phillipmortensen7578]

The 506 feet surely did get your attention. Mission accomplished??

[@user-pr8df3mb5g]

A million years ago it was called Keith Richards caldera.😀😀

[@Lewisfam7]

506 feet... deep pondering with Tristan...😅

[@myjourneysinfaith]

I was there last may. It is a cool place.

[@emilyjea]

I made it up the first two stairs, but not the third, my hands were sweaty from nerves and I still had to make it back down

[@freedomdove]

So interesting! I hope to visit there in the future.