New-Mexico Points of Interest

Alcove


The Alcove point of interest is located within the popular Bandelier National Monument in northern New Mexico. This unique geological formation is a large, circular cave-like structure carved into the side of a cliff by the erosive action of water and wind over millions of years.

Visitors to the Alcove can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder up close, as they hike the relatively easy 3.5-mile round-trip trail that leads to its entrance. Along the way, they will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls and lush vegetation, as well as a variety of wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Once they arrive at the Alcove, visitors will be treated to a truly unique sight: a towering, 100-foot high amphitheater-like space that stretches over 100 feet across and 200 feet deep. This breathtaking formation was once a sacred site to the Ancestral Pueblo people, who used it for religious ceremonies and as a shelter from the elements.

Today, the Alcove continues to inspire visitors with its beauty and historical significance, making it one of the must-see attractions in Bandelier National Monument. So if you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in New Mexico, be sure to add the Alcove to your list of must-visit places! Get driving directions.
ALCOVE

Points of Interest
Location
200 Year Old Ponderosa Pine Tree
24 inch Ledge on trail
Alcove
Alcove House
Back Gate Guard Station
Battleship Bunker - Creutz Test TA-18-5
Battleship Bunker - Magnetic Method TA-18-2
Beginning of Ridge Trail Section
Beginning of The Narrows
Bench Area with Interpretive Sign
Big Kiva
Cave Loop \ Slot Canyon Trail Fork
CCC Historic District
Civilian Conservation Corps Exhibit
Dead tree snag across trail
East Road Drainage Structure
Entering BLM Land
Fallen Boulder Across Trail
Frijolito Pueblo
Gun Site TA-8-1; TA-8-2; TA-8-3; TA-8-172
K-Site TA-11-1; TA11-2; TA11-3
KKTR National Monument Informative Sign
KKTR National Monument Interpretive Sign
KKTR National Monument West Informative Sign
Long House
Painted Cave
Pond Cabin TA-18-29
Q-Site TA-14-6
Road to Veterans Memorial Scenic Overlook
Rock Terraces Across Trail
S-Site TA-16-58
Shelter Cave
Slot Canyon Entrance Bench Area
Slot Canyon National Rec Trail Scenic Overlook
Slotin Building TA-18-1
Switchback on Road to Veterans Memoral Overlook
Talus House
Tee-Pee Garden
The Concrete Bowl TA-6-37
The Narrows
The Quonset Hut TA-22-1
Tyounyi Pueblo
Typical Trail Along Ridge Section
Typical Trail Below Fault B
Typical trail west of The Narrows
Tyuonyi Overlook
V-Site TA-16-516 and TA-16-517
Veterans Memorial Scenic Overlook
West Road Drainage Structure
White Rock County Visitor Center
Yapashi

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Tetilla Peak - Cochiti Lake 51 5,553 ft
Juniper - Bandelier National Monument 66 6,673 ft
Riana - Abiquiu Reservoir 53 6,462 ft
Cochiti - Cochiti Lake 60 5,543 ft

Nearby Streamflow Levels