Falls Trail

Bandelier National Monument wants us back! They were so pleased with the work we did on the Frey Trail in April that they want an encore, this time to perform maintenance on the Falls Trail. This is a 2-½ mile trail that descends 700 feet from the Backpacker’s Parking Lot near the Visitor’s Center, past the Upper and Lower Falls, to the Rio Grande. The trail follows Frijoles Creek and there is a wealth of geologic and biologic sights along its entire length.

Our maintenance work will be primarily on the lower half of the trail, starting around the Upper Falls. There are several rock retaining walls that need repair. The trail also needs grooming along the switchbacks, with berms to be removed and rocks to be raked off the trail. There are waterbars to be cleaned or rebuilt, and a modest bit of lopping to be done.

Camping will be in the Juniper Campground, the entrance to which is just past the check-in station to the Park. There are potable water and restrooms. A light breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning, dinner Saturday night, and breakfast Sunday morning. Please bring all other meals and snacks. The nights may be cold, so you may want to bring an extra blanket. We’ll try to arrange an evening fireside talk by an interpretative ranger on local history.

Please contact Lowell to sign up by no later than Monday, August 4. He will also coordinate ridesharing by interested volunteers.