Lower Frijoles Falls in September 2009 (Trees are now all gone)

Bandalier National Monument is an absolutely great place to visit, at least I think so. I’m really into waterfalls, and I’m also into exploring Native American ruins. Bandalier National Monument has both. The waterfalls, Upper Frijoles Falls and Lower Frijoles Falls, are not really the main attraction.

In one way, they are not the main attraction simply because they probably don’t have much water flowing over them usually. When I visited, there was water, which is good. I imagine early spring would be the best bet to see more flow. The rock colors around the falls are sometimes more attractive than the falls themselves. On the other hand, the hike to both Lower and Upper Frijoles Falls is not nearly as populated as the other areas, and so you’ll probably see only a few other people along your way. That can make for a very calm and enjoyable day.

Update: I visited in 2009…In 2011, there was a pretty intense flood. Check out the damage here. It’s no longer possible to get to Lower Frijoles Falls since the trail was pretty severely undercut.

Directions:

1. From White Rock, head west on NM-4 to the entrance to Bandalier National Monument.
2. Pay the entrance fee and start the drive down toward the parking lot.
3. The first parking lot you enter is the best place to park to view the housing. There is a parking area to your left that might not be apparent at first. If you turn left and park at the end of the parking area, you will be closest to the trailhead leading to the falls.
4. From the trailhead, hike the distance to the Upper Falls…that’s where this story ends now.

Accessibility: 0/10 (no approved way now)
Height: 90′
Hike: no longer possible

Where in the World is Lower Frijoles Falls?

Banadalier National Monument is a spectacular place to visit, and most people visit to see the amazing Native American history there. Hidden in a corner of the park, viewed by far fewer people, are two waterfalls on the Frijoles River. The two drops are actually significant, with Upper Frijoles Falls dropping about 80′ or maybe a little more. It’s hard to judge the height, as you’re actually standing above the falls.

The Upper Falls does get sort of lost in all of the rock surrounding the falls. The rocks are so colorful, that it can be difficult to see the falls in the background. This is one waterfall where a camera with a zoom is necessary to try to get a closer view in the picture. Pay attention to all of the different colors in the rock. At one point, you can look out and see the Rio Grande. As you’re looking out, the rocks have these amazingly colorful layers…reds, greens, oranges, and yellows all are present.

Directions:

1. From White Rock, head west on NM-4 to the entrance to Bandalier National Monument.
2. Pay the entrance fee and start the drive down toward the parking lot.
3. The first parking lot you enter is the best place to park to view the housing. There is a parking area to your left that might not be apparent at first. If you turn left and park at the end of the parking area, you will be closest to the trail head leading to the falls.
4. From the trail head, hike the distance to the falls. It’s an easier hike than I expected, though the last quarter of a mile is steeper.

Note: In 2011, there was a major flooding event that made Lower Frijole Falls inaccessible. The Upper Falls is now accessible via trail, but some of these notes may have changed.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 80′
Length of Hike: 3 miles round-trip

Upper Frijoles Fals in September 2009

Where in the World is Upper Frijoles Falls?