Much of the area was covered with volcanic ash (the Bandelier tuff) from an eruption of the Valles Caldera volcano 1.14 million years ago. The tuff overlies shales and sandstones deposited during the Permian and Pennsylvanian-era limestone. The volcanic outflow varied in hardness; the firmer materials would be used by the Ancestral Pueblo People as bricks, while the softer material was carved into homes. The Frijoles Canyon provided a year round stream and source of water with a variety of vegetation, animals and land for agriculture making it an ideal location for the Ancestral Pueblo People to establish their homes.
There were two basic types of homes developed. The Cliff Dwelling houses along the cliff face and the Pueblos. The pueblos typically a one to two story buildings built in a circle with a central court yard. The one we saw is estimated to have about 400 rooms and housed approximately 100 people. The central plaza (courtyard) contained three kivas.
The second type of housing is the cliff houses. The cliffs in this area are volcanic tuff which is a soft rock. The rock could be used to create bricks for building blocks and the face of the cliff could have caves carved out. By using the face of the cliff housing units could be several stories tall. In one area we looked at a row of holes in the cliff face and learned that these were holes to hold up the roof poles pushed into the rock and resting on the constructed front of the adobe.
From here we went to another area in the canyon to look at the Alcove house. This huge alcove had quite a housing structure based on the footings found. Formerly known as Ceremonial Cave, this alcove is located 140 feet above the floor of Frijoles Canyon. Once home to approximately 25 Ancestral Pueblo people, the elevated site is now reached by 4 wooden ladders and a number of stone stairs. (152 stairs and ladder steps – I counted). In Alcove House, there is a reconstructed kiva and the viga holes and niches of former homes.
After we left this we decided to go to a near community called Los Alamos for lunch. Los Alamos was founded as a secret planned community to provide housing for the employees of the Manhattan Project during World War II. The views from the town are incredible and we did not go to any museums here, just lunch. All during the day I took pictures of interesting flowers and cactus.
Row 1: Cane Cholla Cactus; Daisy (Fleabane);Moon Cactus - I think someone planted this one
Row 2: Jimsonweed - highly toxic - nightshade family; Daisy in Sunflower family; not sure
Back in town we waited until 3:30 to head out on a hike. We took lots of water since it was still 35 C and most of the hike would be exposed to the sun. I was really surprised how I was not able to catch my breath as we trekked uphill nonstop resulting in lots of stops. Then it occurred to me that the heat and the altitude of 7000 plus feet might be the cause. We finally made it to the Atalaya Lookout which took us approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The stats are: Total Time return: 2:55 min; Total Elevation: 1860 ft; Length: 9 kms (5.6 miles); temperature range 29-35 C. The views from the top were worth the trip and the most interesting thing I got a picture of was a cactus with a red top. This was the first that I have seen in the wild although you see them for sale in stores all the time.
By the time we got back to town we beat the darkness by about 20 minutes. Everyone warned us about getting caught on the trail after dark and darkness comes very fast here. This hike reminded us of the Castle Butt hike. Wes used his GPS and downloaded the information into the computer giving us a topographical representation of the hike.
After dinner we both needed time to relax so we sat in the hot tub for about an hour. Now it may seem funny to sit in a hot tub but the temp by now has cooled to a mere 25. A couple of ladies who are staying in the hotel joined us and we chatted for a long time about travel, arts which Santa Fe is noted, decorating ideas, etc. This was a great way to end a very busy day socializing.
One final picture...the deer we saw at the Bandelier National Monument. 
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