Tsankawi Hike Guide
Tsankawi is part of Bandelier National Monument located in New Mexico. Tsankawi is a separate part of the Monument and does require a little drive to get to. However, most of you will pass it on the way to the main area of Bandelier so it’s 100% worth checking out. The National Monument was created to protect the ancestral and traditional lands of over 23 tribes who once inhabited the area. Located about an hour Northwest of Santa Fe this New Mexico National Monument is a great place to hike, trail run and backpack while checking out some pretty unique history of the region.
Tsankawi Quick Facts
Tsankawi Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Virtual Trail Guide: Bandelier National Monument Big Loop
Distance: 2 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 6,493ft
High Point: 6,676ft
Total Elevation Gain: 300ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Walk in the Park What does this mean?
Class: Class 1* *There are some ladders that must be used on this hike – What does this mean?
Season: Year Round – Most popular times to visit are around the Thanksgiving Holiday. However, this monument is great to visit during the Winter months.
Crowds: Low to Moderate
Directions to Tsankawi
Trailhead: NM-4
Getting Here: Tsankawi is located about an hour from Santa Fe just outside of the small town of White Rock. This area is part of the Bandelier National Monument but located about 20 minutes away from the other trails. Access to the monument does not require a special vehicle and is all on paved roads.
Parking: There is a small lot located off of NW-4 that can fit 20 or so cars. There is also a non-plumbing restroom at the trailhead.
Permits/Fee: A National Park’s Pass or One Day Entry Fee is required.
Summary
Dogs: Like all National Parks and National Monuments, dogs are “allowed” but basically can’t leave the parking lot. They should also NOT be left unattended in your car.
Camping: Although I did not camp in Bandelier the camping scene here is fairly good. You can view all options, including backcountry camping here.
Make it a Loop: This hike is a lollipop loop where only a tiny bit at the start is repeated.
Trail X Factors: Historical Artifacts
There is a HIGH chance that during your hike of Tsankawi, you will stumble on some artifacts from the people who lived here hundreds of years ago. PLEASE LEAVE THESE ITEMS! Tribe representatives have closed off and rerouted the hike here in the past due to vandalism and theft of what people find. If we want this area open for future generations, we need to take care of it. Please stay on the trail and as always, follow leave no trace.
Hike Tip(s): While hiking the loop, I would recommend starting on top and working your way down to the start again. You could easily do it both ways but the suggested route I talk about above allows hikers to have a view of the desert in front of you vs behind you. While in this area, take your time to explore and appreciate its cultural significance.
Best Views: The Tsankawi hike offered great views from start to finish.
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Cyklon
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- Backpack (Winter)
- Backpack (Summer)
- Sunglasses
- Base Layers
- T Shirt
- Mid Layer
- Rain Jacket / Shell
- Pants
- Shorts
- Socks
- Food & Water
- Optional: Water Filter
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro Max 2 , Drone, Insta360
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