There’s something uncannily surreal about entering seemingly dark and lonely caves that were once home to communities of Native Americans. A 33,000 acres landform that has existed for over 11,000 years, Bandelier National Monument preserves the dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans and seeks to provide a historical experience to eager adventurers and hikers. It offers over 70 miles of trail, with the Main Loop Trail, Alcove House and Frey Trails being the more popular ones. There are ladders along certain trails (Main Loop) that enables you to climb into cavates (small human-carved alcoves). These carved dwellings, along with petroglyphs aligning the interiors and village ruins gives you a sense of how the Puebloans used to live.

The abundance of trails leaves nothing out of the experience. Avid photographers can visit Frijoles Canyon during the sunrise or sunset for the most photogenic landscape and colors. The trails following the mesa between canyons have colorful birds, bushy-tailed squirrels and even deer for the animal-lovers. In the summer, the monument also provides ranger-guided ‘nightwalks’, navigating the trails with just a flashlight – but do check in advance. For the rich experience, cultural knowledge and outdoor exercise, the Bandelier National Monument is a must-have on any itinerary in Santa Fe.