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Bandelier National Monument
June
shooting star with bug
photo by sally king
Wildflowers are plentiful throughout the park in June.
THE NORM
June is more often than not the hottest and driest month of the year. When hiking, be sure to carry plenty of water. Trails are normally ice-free throughout the park. Although possible, snow is very unlikely.  Interpretive Evening Programs are given every Friday and Saturday night at Juniper Campground.  Nightwalks are given one night a week.  There are two sessions of Daycamp for Kids, June 19 - 21 and June 25 - 28.  Bird nesting is in full swing and numerous wildflowers are blooming including the gorgeous Cane Cholla near Long House and Shooting Stars in the higher elevations.  Visitation starts out slow but becomes heavy by mid-month.  A wait for parking is possible.
 
Bramble Hairstreak
photo by sally king
A wide variety of butterflies are plentiful in the area now.
June 2008
June started out warm and dry with mostly sunny days. Late June has been wetter with cloud buildup becoming an almost daily occurrence and some afternoon thunderstorms. Visitation has been slow but will likely pick up significantly by mid-month. Bear sightings have been common in some areas of the park but not in the main developed area of Frijoles Canyon like last year. The flower season is well under way and numerous bird nests have been spotted as well.
 
Antelope's Horn
photo by sally king
Flowers that bloom in June must tolerate hot and dry weather.
WHAT'S IN BLOOM
Antelope's Horn
Butterflyweed
Cane Cholla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Sacred Datura
Greenthread
Scarlet Bugler
Golden Aster
Fleabane
Gallardia
Hidden Flower
Lupine
Variegated Penstemon
Shooting Stars
 
baby black-headed grosbeaks
photo by sally king
Black-headed grosbeaks are just one of many types of birds raising their young in the park now.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Mountain Lion
Bobcat
Numerous nesting birds with chicks
Baby Robins already out of the nest
Butterflies, many kinds including numerous Tiger Swallowtails, Western Pygmy Blues, and Acmon Blues
 
short horned lizard and common nighthawk
photo by sally king
Short-horned lizards and Common Nighthawks are two common park residents that are rarely seen due to their excellent camouflage.
Queen butterfly  

Did You Know?
Queen butterflies are often mistaken for Monarchs because they look so much alike. This is beneficial to the Queen, who is avoided by predators who fear this look-alike may be as toxic as the Monarch.

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Last Updated: June 29, 2008 at 11:10 EST