Petroglyph National Monument offers visitors the opportunity to see historical beauty close to the city. There are hundreds of petroglyphs to take in as you explore this National Monument.
The monument is conveniently located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, not too far off of the interstate. It is separated into 5 separate areas, each with it’s own unique opportunities for adventure.
Visitor Center
You’ll want to make your way to the visitor center first to get some information about the different areas you may want to visit. It’s not a very large center, but the staff is very knowledgeable and can guide you to the best spot for you. There are no trails at the visitor center, but don’t let that stop you from popping in. Also, if you are collecting National Park Stamps in your passport book, this is the location to get your stamp. Time to decide what area you want to explore.
Volcano Day Use Area
Let me just stop right here to say that there are NO petroglyphs at this location, much like the visitor center. Don’t despair though, we will get there. The Volcano Day Use Area is open from sunrise to sunset, allows pets, and has some beautiful views of the Albuquerque Area. HERE are some more details and a TRAIL MAP for the area.
Rinconada Canyon
We’ve made it to the petroglyph viewing areas! In this area, you can see around 300 petroglyphs. From Sunrise to sunset, you can hike the trail to the petroglyphs which is about 2 miles long (roundtrip). They do allow pets, but only down the center of the canyon, not near the petroglyphs. See the TRAIL MAP for more detail.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
There are about 400 petroglyph viewing opportunities in this canyon. It’s open from sunrise to sunset, allows pets throughout the entire area, and has an easy one and half mile trail. Again, here is a TRAIL MAP.
Boca Negra Canyon
This canyon is the area we chose to spend our time at. They are open from 8:30am-4:30pm daily. This area has a gated parking lot in which you have to pay $1-$2 to park, depending on what day of the week you go. It’s more expensive on the weekends. Last entry for this area is 4:00pm and is strictly enforced. They have both vehicle and RV parking in this area (which is why we chose it since we were pulling our trailer with us when we stopped for a visit). There are 3 trail opportunities in this canyon (4 if you park in the RV Parking as you will have to walk on the Nature Trail to get to Mesa Point) and you can see about 100 petroglyphs. My suggestion is to park your car and hike in a counterclockwise pattern starting at the Mesa Point Trail. TRAIL MAP
Mesa Point Trail
Mesa Point is the longest and most strenuous, but should only take you about 30 minutes to complete. This is why I suggest you do this trail first. It’s a paved (sort of), steep trail up to the point. You’ll encounter several petroglyphs on your way to the top. The trail is very easy to see, but you will have to step over and around a few boulders. The view from the top is pretty great. Worth it!
Macaw Trail
The monuments signature symbol is on the Macaw Trail. This trail is short, easy and should only take you about 5 minutes. The Macaw and Oar petroglyphs are absolutely amazing on this trail. You can get up so close to examine them. Be care though, no touching. If you need to stop for a bathroom break, there is one located at this trailhead.
Cliff Base Trail
The last of the canyon trails is Cliff Base. This is a moderate trail with little climbing. All the trails in this area are short and this one is no exception as it should take you around 15 minutes to hike. Here you get both close up and distant views of petroglyphs. There are so many unique, beautiful things to see. I hope you’ll take some time to come to these trails. Head back to your car once you’ve seen everything and make your way to your next adventure.
And remember...DON'T touch the petroglyphs
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Petroglyph National Monument, the National Park Service, the city of Albuquerque, or the state of New Mexico.
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