Comments on: The Good Way – Bandelier National Monument

By: John

John — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:44:07 +0000

In reply to Pete. Pete, most of th time in the fall (sept )and spring ( march) water is available in Capulin Canyon…you can not rely on Frijoles Creek due to the fecal ppm concentrations…I’ve never used th Rio grande water. at times you may find pockets of water off the trail to th east north east up on Mesa. I’ve ran out of water when hiking out of Capulin canyon along the River ( trail is unmaintained for decades now) and then up onto the Mesa back to the visitor center. I generally carry 3 liters and have th ability for 5 if needed to explore up onto the Mesa tops.

By: John

John — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:32:09 +0000

Been going out there since 91…. From backpacking in 105 heat to 15 in of snow overnite and 10 degrees sleeping under a tarp I’ve seen 90% of th backcountry trails…I love Bandelier!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:02:35 +0000

In reply to Pete. Hi Pete, I'd give the backcounty office a call and find out for sure. It’s been a very dry year and normally reliable springs and streams are bone dry. Last time I backpacked there was 2019 so my knowledge is not up to date. Have fun! It’s a special place

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:50:51 +0000

Hi Paul, coming in late to this. How did you plan for water on this trip? Did you check at the backcountry office for water availability? NPS site says some of the streams/water sources are unreliable. I’m planning a trip in there and I don’t want to carry 2.5 gallons of water if I can avoid it! Thanks Paul!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:24:17 +0000

In reply to John Gentry. Well worth it!

By: John Gentry

John Gentry — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 08:06:04 +0000

Thank you for the great write-up. I have been hitting Bandelier a few times this year and want to see the painted caves. You are right the light when you went was good, and I may just do a remote camp close by to make sure I get good light as well.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:49:46 +0000

In reply to Shannon McCready. Thx! Still a beautiful place, but definitely different from the past.

By: Shannon McCready

Shannon McCready — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:07:12 +0000

I love this place, and have camped in Capulin Canyon four different times. The last time (2007) was with my oldest son before the latest fire. Beautiful pics, great memories. Sad to see the condition of Capulin Canyon.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:25:29 +0000

In reply to Glen Van Peski. Thanks for the nice words. It was truly a great place.

By: Glen Van Peski

Glen Van Peski — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 03:25:05 +0000

Loved the pictures. When taken with the lovely descriptive prose, they effectively ‘put me there’.