DANGER LEVEL 11

In my family, we rate our hikes based on a "Danger level" which is mostly arbitrary, but partially determined based on how much of a chance of dying there is on the hike. For example, hikes with narrow paths along steep cliffs might have a danger level of 6 or 7. If there are bears spotted along the same trail, it might be upped to an 8 or a 9. You get the idea. The main loop/Alcove House trail is known for its tall ladders and steep dropoffs, but the danger level increased even more than we expected during the hike!

Luckily, in the Hall family, everyone's middle name is Danger.

The trail wound around steep cliffs and up short ladders into the former homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people (formerly known as the Anastazi) who used to live in the Canyon where Bandelier is located:

Here's a view from the inside of one of the dwellings: It's really high up!

Stoops liked to hang out in the kitchen.

Before we even got to the highest, steepest ladders, we (I) got scared by a rattle snake! It was very close to the trail and rattled to warn us of its presence. This brought the danger level up to at least a 10. I'd never seen a rattler before - they are beautiful! And also terrifying. 

Then we came to this sign:

If you can't read it, the general idea is that this particular part of the trail in Bandelier National Monument goes straight up via ladder and people who are afraid of heights or with health conditions should not attempt!

After 140 ft of ladders (AWESOME!) We got this view :) 

Luckily, we were there before dusk, but after the tourists had come and gone, so we got the place to ourselves. It was very peaceful. 

To top it all off, we saw a double rainbow on the way home! This picture doesn't do it justice, but it was very bright!