Sections of Bandelier National Monument near Los Alamos are closed for repairs at what is usually one of the busiest times of the year – the weeks surrounding the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Tourists visit other nearby attractions such as Bandelier on days when the Balloon Fiesta is postponed because of weather, according to KRQE.
"It's a busy time for us – October," Joanie Budzileni, public information officer for Bandelier National Monument, said. "The first two weeks in October and of course Spring Break which is, oh gosh, March through April."
Some areas of the popular site, which attracts 170,000 visitors a year, are inaccessible now as bridge repairs and improvements are underway throughout the park, KRQE reported. The famous Alcove House – a partial cave known for its natural beauty and history – is one of the areas that is off-limits.
"Sometimes, we have to juggle [when] one should be closed down – a trail or facility," Budzileni said. "... There's really not a great time because Bandelier is so popular."
Budzileni said the repair project began as soon as funding was secured, according to KRQE. Bandelier is not the only park to miss out on the busy season. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument near the Cochiti Pueblo is missing its second straight Balloon Fiesta. It shut down more than two years ago due to COVID protocols and construction, but could not reopen for the busiest time of year.
Several wilderness areas and backcountry trails are still closed at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico, KRQE reported. Parts of the park were damaged by flooding in late August, but a reopening date has not been announced yet.
Officials said the renovation and improvement projects at Bandelier National Monument are expected to be completed in June 2023.
"It just means that we're going to have to explain things to visitors and ask things for their patience," Budzileni said.