If you want to truly explore New Mexico’s natural beauty, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! You’ll enjoy fresh air, and get an up-close look at all of the wonderful things that make the Land of Enchantment truly enchanting. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to get out there – this waterfall trail is easy enough for beginners.
Bandelier National Monument is a 33,000-acre protected area that includes stunning canyons, rock formations, and dwellings built by Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here 11,000 years ago.
rwdw/Tripadvisor
There are several trails here, but one of the monument’s most popular is the Upper Falls Trail. The hike is 2.9 miles out and back, and it’s considered easy.
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The trail gains about 485 feet of elevation, but it’s fairly gradual, so you’ll hardly notice. The beautiful scenery surrounding you also serves as a pretty good diversion.
David Haigh/Alltrails
Soaring cliffs under a bright blue sky are the backdrop of this trail, and the rock formations provide additional visual interest.
David Haigh/Alltrails
Most of the trail has full sun exposure, so make sure to slather on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
David Haigh/Alltrails
As you get closer to the waterfall, trees line the trail and the landscape becomes more green.
Matt Garrett/Alltrails
You’ll soon enjoy views of a deep canyon, with rugged walls on either side.
Jamie Fields/Alltrails
Upper Falls tumbles 90 feet from Frijoles Creek into the ravine below. Depending on the time of year and amount of snow runoff, the falls might be gushing, or just a small trickle.
TulaKitty/Tripadvisor
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this hike; you’ll want to take photos of the scenic beauty all along the way.
Devon Bowd-Wood/Alltrails
Learn more about Bandelier National Monument on its website. Have you hiked the Upper Falls Trail? Tell us about your adventure!
rwdw/Tripadvisor
The Blue Bomber/Alltrails
David Haigh/Alltrails
Matt Garrett/Alltrails
Jamie Fields/Alltrails
TulaKitty/Tripadvisor
Devon Bowd-Wood/Alltrails
If you’re looking for another easy trail, check out this easy trail in the foothills that’s perfectly picturesque.
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