Cottonwood Picnic Area via Middle Alamo Trail and Long Trail
12.0 mi
Distance
6 hrs 32 min
Time
terrain
741 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail in Bandelier National Monument.
This trail goes by Main Loop Access, Access, Backcountry Access, and Cottonwood Picnic Area.
Taking Children
Not a hike for children due to length and amount of climbing.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
We hiked the Yapashi Ruins/Stone Lions trail in mid-November. Due to sun exposure, summer hikes would be very hot, so are not recommended. Vegetation was unremarkable at this time of year and high desert terrain was typical brown and dusty. The canyons had lusher vegetation and much appreciated shade. Rock formations in the canyons were spectacular. The stone lions were underwhelming, but archeological interesting. Elevation gain was over 2500 feet over the course of the hike.
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