Bandelier National Monument - August (U.S. National Park Service)

photo by sally king

In August young animals are often ready to join their parents and may be seen in the park.

THE NORM
August weather is marked by beautiful sunny mornings and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. These storms are isolated in nature and may drop large volumes of rain in some areas. They are frequently accompanied by dangerous lightning. The likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms should be taken into account when planning daily activities. Young animals are often mature enough to join parents in feeding activities and may be seen in the park. These include mule deer fawns and many fledgling birds. Evening programs are given every Friday and Saturday night at Juniper Campground. Nightwalks are offered one night each week. Park visitation may be heavy and a wait for parking could be required.

photos by sally king

Butterflies are common in August.

AUGUST 2008
August weather started out warm and dry but the threat of afternoon thunderstorms has returned to the area. An isolated thunderstorm in the headwaters of Frijoles Canyon caused a flashflood event in the canyon, the third in the last year. Visitation has been steady but not busy. There have been no waits for parking. Evening programs are given each Friday and Saturday night during summer at the amphitheater at Juniper Campground. Nightwalks are every Wednesday night during the summer. The final special interpretive programs of the summer will be given over the Labor Day weekend. Butterflies and wildflowers are plentiful. Young animals such as black-headed turkey vultures and fledgling Cooper's Hawks are making an appearance in Frijoles Canyon.

Showy 4 oclock, Rocky Mnt Beeplant, Mariposa Lily

photos by sally king

Numerous wildflowers are blooming at all elevations of the park with the coming of the mid summer rains.