Rim Road – Bandelier National Monument

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.