Rim Road – Bandelier National Monument
Mesa rim route above ancient cliff dwellings
Rim Road traces the edge of Frijoles Mesa for 8 miles above the famous cliff dwellings of Bandelier, offering backdoor access to one of the Southwest’s premier archaeological sites. The dirt road skirts the canyon rim through piñon and juniper country, passing several overlooks where you can peer down into the valleys where Ancestral Puebloans carved their homes into volcanic tuff 800 years ago. The road connects to the Falls Trail parking area, bypassing the crowded main entrance during peak season.
Easy driving in any high-clearance vehicle, though the road can turn muddy during monsoon season. The National Park Service maintains this route, so it’s well-graded but narrow in places. Entry fees apply since you’re accessing the monument, and camping isn’t allowed along the road itself. Spring and fall offer the best weather, avoiding summer crowds and winter snow. This gives you a different perspective on Bandelier’s backcountry beyond the tourist-packed main loop trail.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Los Alamos, New Mexico |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle Rim Road?
Yes, any high-clearance 2WD vehicle can make this drive. The dirt road is well-maintained with no technical obstacles, just some washboard sections.
Is Rim Road open in winter?
The road is typically closed December through February due to snow and ice conditions at 6,800 feet elevation. March through November is the reliable access window.
Do I need a backcountry permit for Rim Road?
Yes, you need a backcountry permit from Bandelier National Monument. Get it at the visitor center - they're free but required for the drive.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
There really isn't one - this is genuinely an easy scenic drive. The biggest challenge is washboard sections that might rattle your teeth a bit.
Can I camp along Rim Road?
No camping is allowed along the route or anywhere in the backcountry areas of Bandelier. This is a day-use only drive through the national monument.