Bandelier National Monument's Tsankawi Unit will remain closed into next year due to road construction/NPS file
Construction delays mean the Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico will remain closed until the middle of next year.
The unit, located north of White Rock, closed in the spring to allow for construction along New Mexico State Road 4 at the entrance to the unit. The ongoing construction work is part of the larger interagency project to improve traffic flow and safety at the junction of New Mexico State Road 4 and East Jemez Road outside of White Rock. Bandelier is constructing a new parking area and access road as a part of this work, which will align with the traffic light at the intersection.
The work is expected to be completed before next summer.
Construction activities impact all existing parking for Tsankawi. There is no safe parking or access points for the visiting public as a result. Entering Tsankawi by any means is prohibited during this closure, except for personnel performing official duties related to the various construction projects. Violators of the closure will be subject to citation or arrest. The site will remain closed until all construction projects are completed or until visitors are able to safely access and travel within the area while construction and trail work continues.
The rest of Bandelier National Monument remains open during the Tsankawi closure. This includes:
- The Pueblo Loop Trail, Alcove House, Falls Trail, and Bandelier Visitor Center in Frijoles Canyon.
- The Juniper and Ponderosa Campgrounds.
- Backcountry and frontcountry hiking trails at such locations as Burnt Mesa, Cerro Grande, and Alamo Boundary.
