Bandelier National Monument: Capulin Canyon

Once the stomping ground for the Ancestral Pueblo, the sloping mesas and steep canyons of Bandelier National Monument are now home to 70 miles of trails. This 3-day lollipop loop begins near park headquarters and climbs 1,100 feet from the base of Frijoles Canyon to its rim trail. Just before mile 5, turn south and dip 400 feet into Alamo Canyon and 700 feet into Capulin Canyon before settling into camping zone B on night one.

Day two continues downhill through Capulin, bypassing the trail toward Painted Cave—a worthwhile 5-mile out-and-back—and looping back toward Alamo Canyon. If Painted Cave isn’t an option on this trip, consider adding the 1.3-mile out-and-back to the rock-pile ruins of the Yapashi Pueblo to your hike. The route’s loop closes at mile 12.5 and dips into Alamo again before the climb toward another camping area on the mesa. From here, it’s an easy 5.1 miles downhill toward the trailhead on day three.

Note: Relative low altitudes make this a good option for spring, fall, and sometimes winters. Though water is usually available at the Upper Alamo and along most of Capulin, expect to carry it for camping at 1702 and double check conditions when you pick up your (free) backcountry permit.

-Mapped by Bill Velasquez

Trail Facts

• Distance: 31.9

Waypoints

BAN001

Location: 35.7782626, -106.2709504

This lot near the Visitor Center is reserved for backcountry campers. The trailhead is just a short walk north of here.

BAN002

Location: 35.7861824, -106.2869415

Continue straight toward Upper Crossing, bypassing this left-hand trail to the Upper Alamo.

BAN003

Location: 35.8023605, -106.3432465

Turn left at this junction near mile 4.8 and head south toward Alamo Canyon. The main trail continues straight toward Upper Crossing and into Upper Frijoles Canyon (a popular dayhike).

BAN004

Location: 35.8001747, -106.3460083

Continue straight at this junction and remember this point. On day three, you’ll rejoin the trail at this point. Camping zone 1702 is just south of here.

BAN005

Location: 35.7925987, -106.3508453

This wet crossing in Upper Alamo is one of the semi-reliable sources of water on this route. On day two, you’ll have to carry water from here for camping and cooking. After a brief flat along the canyon bottom, you’ll turn uphill.

BAN006

Location: 35.7813759, -106.3395386

This point marks the beginning of this route’s 5.5-mile loop. From this point, the trail dips over one small hill before switchbacking almost 700 feet into Capulin Canyon.

BAN007

Location: 35.7740707, -106.3439865

The bottom of Capulin Canyon is also the dividing line between camping zones A and B. Turn left and begin looking for campsites away from the main trail and along the canyon bottom.

BAN008

Location: 35.7701325, -106.3379252

This well-established site just past mile 8.5 is a great spot to spend the night. Though this route follows the canyon bottom another 1.5 miles, the camping zone extends only half that distance.

BAN009

Location: 35.7609569, -106.332593

Find a spot before you get to the border of the camping zone. There is no camping south or east of here.

BAN010

Location: 35.7581253, -106.3299103

Stay straight on the trail as it bypasses the access to the Dome Trailhead and skirts a ranger cabin near the base of this peaceful valley.

BAN011

Location: 35.7549408, -106.3258123

Turn left to begin climbing out of the canyon. From this point, it’s 2.3 miles (one way) to the Painted Cave, but check camping area closures before making the decision to add an extra night for the trip.

BAN012

Location: 35.765358, -106.3241196

It’s just 2.5 miles round-trip from this point to the rocky ruins of Yapashi Pueblo. If you don’t have time to hit the Painted Cave, consider this shorter side-trip to another of the park’s important archeological sites. Next, the route continues straight, bypassing the side trip (and the 7-mile trail to the Visitor Center.

BAN013

Location: 35.7670074, -106.3242888

Bear left to head back toward Alamo Canyon and to close the loop. The trail on your right is where you’d rejoin this route if you took the side trip.

BAN014

Location: 35.7986625, -106.3476992

Bear right at the top of Alamo Canyon to find a campsite in camping zone 1702.

BAN015

Location: 35.797218, -106.3456392

There are several good campsites in camping zone 1702, but there isn’t any water. Plan ahead and carry water out of Alamo Canyon on day two. Next, head north to reconnect with Waypoint 4, then retrace your route back to the trailhead.

West Capulin

Location: 35.7777839, -106.3422489

Awesome views westward into Capulin Canyon await along the switchbacking descent.

Frijoles Canyon

Location: 35.7818226, -106.2762451

Take time to enjoy the views west into Frijoles Canyon at this switchback near mile 0.5.

Pecos Wilderness

Location: 35.7982884, -106.3165426

On a clear day from the top of the Frijoles Rim, you’ll have 35-mile views of the Pecos Wilderness to the east.

Alamo View

Location: 35.7902473, -106.3453817

Enjoy this eastern views as you climb out of Alamo Canyon.

Loop Junction

Location: 35.7813351, -106.3395452

This sign points northwest toward Upper Crossing and southeast toward Yapashi Pueblo and the Visitor Center.

View

Location: 35.7766001, -106.3429356

An eastern view from Capulin’s north side on a clear, November day.

Zone B

Location: 35.7740236, -106.3438797

There is plenty of good camping in Zone B. Find a spot as far down as you feel like walking.

Cabin

Location: 35.7580664, -106.3297927

There is a ranger station in this peaceful spot near the base of the canyon.

Dome Trailhead

Location: 35.7580055, -106.3296747

This sign marks the path to Boundary Peak on the National Monument’s western edge, and the Dome Trailhead just outside.

Camping Closures

Location: 35.7549582, -106.3257694

Camping Zone C was closed due to overuse. Check camp-zone conditions before planning your trip.

VC Trail

Location: 35.7550192, -106.3258553

Follow the Visitor Center Trail out of Capulin Canyon.

Sandias

Location: 35.7585105, -106.3263917

The Sandia Mountains, 35 miles south, are visible on the climb out of Capulin.

Sign

Location: 35.7653533, -106.3240421

Though this trail is signed, this broken marker is one reason to upload this trip before your hike.

Sunset

Location: 35.7972093, -106.3455212

From the Mesa Top, on a clear day, you will have wonderful views of the Pecos Wilderness, Jemez Mountains and the big, New Mexico sky.