Bandelier National Monument · New Mexico

Frey Trail

1.7 mi of trail, end to end · Hike the Frey Trail: 1.5 mi one way in the Service's write-up · about 70 ft of climbing · 550 ft of descent · 6,165 ft–6,650 ft · native surface · trail class Developed · hiking

6,647 ft 6,165 ft · 1.6 mi high 6,650 ft

Trailhead Frey Trail 6,647 ft Drive there

Hike the Frey Trail 1.5 mi one way · the Park Service's write-up

1-4 Hours · no dogs · entrance fee applies

View from Frey Trail
The view from the Frey Trail. Photo: NPS

Before the construction of the entrance road in the late 1930's, the Frey Trail ( 1.5 miles one way) was the main route to enter and exit Frijoles Canyon. The trail begins at Juniper Campground and makes its way to the edge of the canyon where it switchbacks down to the canyon (>550' elevation change). The trail provides excellent views of Tyuonyi. Hiking up is a difficult trail at any time, it can be hot in summer as there is little shelter from the sun along the trail. Be sure and always carry plenty of water.

Hiking down is now a wonderful walk with amazing views. Just be sure to bring water. Also during summer (mid May to mid October) hike down the Frey Trail and take the shuttle bus back up to the trailhead. Check at the visitor center for current conditions of the shuttle bus.

Accessibility The Frey Trial is well developed but is steep and mostly uphill. It may be difficult for strollers, people who are not in good physical shape, and is not accessible to wheelchairs. The Frey Trail is especially difficult in the summer months when temperatures are high. We recommend at least on liter of water per hiker.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Other trails from the Frey Trail

All 28 trails in Bandelier National MonumentFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.