Shuttle

Bandelier National Monument 2025 Summer Shuttle Service

Bandelier's Summer Shuttle Service runs from May 14 to October 14. 

 

The shuttle stop at the Frey Trail parking lot.

NPS / Zachary Whitlow

Bandelier National Monument's shuttle is seasonally operated, typically running from mid-May to mid-October. The shuttle runs daily starting at 10 am and picks up at the Frey Trail parking lot and brings you to the park visitor center. The shuttle buses run every 10 minutes. These shuttles are operated in partnership with Atomic City Transit in Los Alamos County.

Unlike previous years, the shuttle is not mandatory unless the parking lots in the canyon are filled up. Also, there will be no shuttle service to the White Rock Visitor Center. Shuttle services will only operate between parking areas within Bandelier. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the White Rock Visitor Center for information on regional attractions and unique exhibits. Visitors may use the free shuttle to access trail heads on the mesa top and will provide easy access between the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center and Juniper Campground.

There is no charge for riding the shuttle but all normal entry fees still apply for entering the park. Fees are based on the vehicle visitors arrive to the shuttle in, which is not a per person basis usually. All visitors are required to check in at the Bandelier Visitor Center when they arrive in the park.

Why is there a shuttle?

Bandelier National Monument began utilizing a mandatory shuttle in Summer 2012 to help alleviate parking congestion and to prevent the need to turn cars around when the parking lots were full. The shuttle allows the park to accomodate more visitors.

Does the shuttle take me directly to Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites?

No. The shuttle only provides transportation between the Frey Trail parking lot and the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center during the busy season (typically mid-May to mid-October).

Can I drive anywhere else in the park?

Yes. You can still drive into a number of areas of the park any time of the day including Juniper Campground, Tsankawi, and to the many trails outside of Frijoles Canyon located along NM Highway 4. Remember the park closes at sunset, so plan to leave before that time.