Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, NM

The Jemez mountains surround Los Alamos. In fact, Los Alamos is at 6000 ft in the Jemez Mountains. Driving up to it is really a trip. Inside the Jemez mountains is a National Monument called Bandelier which houses lots of Ancient Pueblo ruins and trails.

This morning I hiked the 1.2 mile main loop trail which takes in most of the historic architectural sites. Then I hiked the 5.0 mile (round trip) Falls Trail which goes from the Canyon Rim at the Visitor Center, down the Canyon to the Rio Grande river (700 ft total drop). Wow, what a workout and what a beautiful set of hikes. I ended up with over 250 pictures and legs so sore...

The Jemez Mountains above Bandelier, East of Los Alamos NM

Ancient People Ruins - Bandelier National Monument

Me and a monster Ponderosa Pine

1/2 way down the Falls Trail (yes, the Rio Grande is way out there at the end of the Canyon)

Over the 1st Water Fall, It's a BIG drop behind me...

The Rio Grande River