The Frijolito Loop Trail begins across from the Bandelier Visitor Center and immediately proceeds steeply up to the mesa top. Once on top, along with wonderful 360-degree views, the unexcavated ruins of Frijolito are encountered.

Of most interest, however, are the surrounding views of the Pajarito Plateau and the Frijoles River Canyon. After walking a distance along the mesa's edge, the trail joins with another from the interior and descends slowly back into the canyon and back towards the trail head. Although the first climb is steep, the trail is otherwise relatively easy and enjoyable. The authors could find no reasonable maps showing the entire Frijolito Loop.