Bandelier National Monument – Visitor Center [Fail]

Attempt to explore Bandelier National Monument was a failure today because I lost track of time while enjoying the scenic drive coming from Rio Grande Gorge. The area through La Junta was especially beautiful as was the Santa Clara Pueblo. The huge miscalculation that I made was how long it takes to drive from downtown White Rock to get to the monument itself – not a long distance in miles but takes a long time just getting through the entrance road. Visitor center closes at 5pm which I did not realize, and arriving around 4:45pm I didn’t even give myself a chance. Today was also a busy weekend for events (Fall Fest and Balloon Fest at same time?) plus the campgrounds were full up on a Sunday night because of it. Bad timing and poor planning.

Bandelier National Monument – Visitor Center [Failed]

Didn’t really research this destination much ahead of time – that was also a mistake. This is a much larger area than I had imagined, and also a couple of the trails/features are closed right now (I think due to damage or renovations). My feet are feeling better but even still I think to properly enjoy this area I’d want to be in top hiking shape and that I am not. Going to put a pin in this one to revisit in the future.

Bandelier National Monument – Visitor Center [Failed]