Bandelier National Monument | Cliff Dwellings, Alcove House & White Rock RV Camping Tips

Step into the ancient world of the Ancestral Puebloans at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico! This video takes you through cliff dwellings, kivas, and the dramatic climb to Alcove House, followed by the breathtaking views at White Rock Overlook. Whether you’re a history lover, hiker, or RV traveler, Bandelier offers unforgettable experiences with culture, nature, and adventure.

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⬇️ Visitor Guide ⬇️

🔹 Bandelier National Monument
▫️ Located near Los Alamos, NM, this site preserves over 11,000 years of human history.
▫️ The cliff dwellings were carved into volcanic tuff by the Ancestral Puebloans between 1150–1600 CE.
▫️ Visitors can explore homes, ceremonial kivas, and petroglyphs along the Main Loop Trail.

🔹 Alcove House
▫️ Reached via a 140-foot climb up four wooden ladders, perched high in a canyon wall.
▫️ The site was once a ceremonial cave and living space for ancestral people.
▫️ If you’re not a fan of heights, you can still enjoy views of Alcove House from the ground.

🔹 White Rock Overlook
▫️ A hidden gem with sweeping views of the Rio Grande and surrounding mesas.
▫️ Offers RV camping with electric hookups ($20/night) at the nearby Visitors Center, making it a perfect basecamp.

💡 Fun Facts & History

The volcanic ash that formed Bandelier’s soft rock walls is called tuff, easily carved by hand to create homes and storage rooms.

Bandelier is named after Adolph Bandelier, a Swiss-American anthropologist who studied the cultures of the Southwest in the 1880s.

White Rock Overlook is part of the Pajarito Plateau, formed by volcanic eruptions from the Valles Caldera.


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⬇️ Travel Tips ⬇️

🎟️ Entry & Parking
▫️ Parking at Bandelier is limited. During peak season (late spring–fall), visitors must park in White Rock and take a shuttle bus to the park.
▫️ In winter, you can drive directly in (less crowded).

🥾 Hiking
▫️ Main Loop Trail (1.4 miles) is an easy walk past cliff dwellings and kivas.
▫️ Alcove House climb requires stamina, no fear of heights, and patience (ladders are one-way).

🚐 RV & Camping
▫️ White Rock Visitors Center offers RV sites with electric hookups, water, and a dump station.
▫️ At $20/night, it’s one of the most convenient camping options for Bandelier visitors.

📅 When We Visited
▫️ January 3rd – mild weather, no snow, perfect for hiking without crowds.

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⏰ Time Codes ⏰

0:00 – Intro to Bandelier
1:14 – Cliff Dwellings
7:49 – Alcove House (Climb & Tips)
11:03 – Visitors Center
11:47 – White Rock Overlook
12:13 – Visitors Center Camping & Trip Summary

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👋 Who We Are!
We’re Derek and Ashley, full-time travelers exploring North America in our Jayco Swift 20TLi RV with our pup, Pete. We share practical travel tips, unique history, and the real ups and downs of van life.

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