This is by far the most popular trail in Bandelier National Monument, and it can become rather crowded in summer. The path starts from the visitor center, winds through shady groves close to the creek and then into more open country as the canyon becomes wider. The first ruins are at the centre of a large clearing - the 2-storey Tyuonyi pueblo, a circular arrangement of rooms around a central arena. The village has been excavated and partially restored. The other dwellings are collectively known as Long House, and are all built into the tuff cliffs, in the north wall of the canyon - there are hundreds of such rooms, often difficult to distinguish from natural, unused cavities in the rock. Several of the dwellings may be entered, via ladders or steps, and again some restoration has been undertaken. There are no information plaques along the route - people are encouraged to buy a trail guide ($1) instead. The path later crosses to the south over Frijoles Creek and passes through more woodland - a likely place to spot the unusual Abert squirrel which inhabits the canyon - the species has distinctive dark-edged pointed ears. More cliff houses are clearly visible in the canyon walls, but not all may be visited and off-trail hiking is not allowed.
The Ceremonial Cave: Two miles from the visitor center, the path arrives beneath the Ceremonial Cave - actually a large hollow in the upper cliffs in which the Anasazi built an underground kiva (ceremonial meeting room). This has been rebuilt, and visitors may descend through a small opening in the roof into the cool interior. The view from the platform is quite impressive. To reach the 'cave' requires ascent of 4 steep ladders, totalling 140 feet - a task which some people may find difficult. The main path ends at this point, but an alternative route back is along the south side of the creek, through pretty woodland with plentiful flowers, and the chance of glimpsing lizards, snakes and other wildlife.
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