New Mexico - Bandelier National Monument

45mi/72km WNW of Santa Fe, in the volcanic Jemez Mountains, is the wild and romantic Frijoles Canyon, whose principal feature of interest is the Bandelier National Monument. This area, once occupied by Pueblo Indians, was explored by the Swiss-American anthropologist A. F. Bandelier (1840-1914). Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the people built multi-story villages including Tyuonyi (Que-weh-nee), which had 400 rooms and three kivas (meeting rooms). They also built homes and kivas along the base of the cliffs, often carving back rooms into the easily workable rock. A short distance to the northwest are remains of the pueblo of Tynony, with some 400 rooms and three kivas. In the surrounding area, in country which is difficult of access, are remains of other Indian dwellings and cult sites.

Over two-thirds of the park's 50 square miles is designated wilderness, with over 70 miles of backcountry trails; most are quite strenuous.