Frijoles Canyon Fall Colors - Ponderosa Campground to Bandelier Headquarters

About this event

Frijoles Canyon

8 miles Elevation change - 700 ft then gradual decent Minor stream crossings Good trail Downhill the entire way

I was so impressed by all the lush vegetation last spring I thought it would be a good hike for the fall. We will leave a car at the Bandelier Headquarters and begin our hike at the Ponderosa Campground far upstream from the Headquarters. From here we will take a good trail to the canyon edge where we will descend 700 feet to the Upper Frijoles Crossing. From here it’s a delightful stroll along Frijoles Creek where we will get to hike through a spectacular narrows. Near the end we will pass Pueblo ruins, kivas, and caves occupied by the ancients dating back to 1150 AD.

Trekking poles may be handy in hiking the trail down to the canyon bottom and navigating stream crossings.

Pets are not allowed in Bandelier. There is a fee for Bandelier but we will be in vehicles where the drivers have Senior Passes.

Please pay your driver $8.

Release and Waiver. By attending, the Participant releases the Event Leaders from liability arising from the Event and assumes all risks of the Event, including: 1) injuries from falls, living things, pre-existing health conditions, vehicles, and weather, and 2) injuries resulting from the Event Leaders not undertaking the least risky option available (e.g., hiking a steep slope instead of a gentle slope) or not treating an injury in the optimal way (e.g., due to insufficient training). The preceding sentence supplements any other exculpatory arrangement to which the Participant is subject.

From Moderate Hiking for Mellow People