Petroglyph National Monument protects and highlights an estimated 20,000 carved images with the 17-mile escarpment (where most of the petroglyphs are located) is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The area is part of the sacred landscape to the native Americans with its culturally significance quite literally carved into the land itself.

Exploring the Petroglyphs

Petroglyph National Monument has several areas, and exploration of all the park is just not possible in one day.

Boca Negra Canyon
This is the best place to start exploring the monument. This is the monument's only fully developed area. Restrooms, shade, and a drinking fountain are provided. It offers three trails, including the five-minute Macaw Trail which is the easiest to negotiate. Two other trails offer far more opportunities to spot the petroglyphs, but require more physical dexterity to clamber up and down the hills on partly paved trails. However there are several petroglyphs that are easily viewed along the beginning of the Mesa Point Trail before the climbing starts. The Cliff Base Trail is more of an intermediate trail.

Follow Unser Blvd north to the undeveloped trail at Boca Negra Canyon North for another picnic area, and great views. The trail itself is not well-marked, but the parking and picnic area offer lovely views of the valley.

Rinconada Canyon
This area also too offers plenty of petroglyphs, plus insight into the geologic, cultural and natural resources of this region. From the parking lot a sandy path follows the northern escarpment, carrying you over sand dunes. In addition to the petroglyphs, there’s rock wall alignments and shelters, and wildlife living in the vegetation growing throughout the canyon. Return by backtracking along the north side of the canyon or continue the trail loop down the middle of the canyon – but here you’ll see nature and geology, but no petroglyphs.

This area has a pit toilet and is considered moderately strenuous.

There is NO water available at Rinconada. And, all hikers need water when hiking the Petroglyphs.

The Volcanoes
Another area with moderate to strenuous hiking, few petroglyphs, but views of the city and the Rio Grande Valley. The lure here is also geological – hiking the area nnown locally as the Albuquerque Volcanoes or the Three Sisters. These classic and rare examples of a fissure eruption. Restroom facilities are available at the parking area. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. And, as always, bring water.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon to the northern top of the monument offers additional hiking trails.

History of the carvings and the creation of the Petroglyph National Monument

Unlike the ancient land and carvings, Petroglyph National Monument is only 20 years old. Albuquerque is very much an outdoor-oriented city with a deep understanding of the importance of protecting the rich history and unique resources. The Friends of the Albuquerque Petroglyphs and other groups led efforts to create the Petroglyph National Monument, established by Congress in 1990.

The National Park Service estimates that 90% of the monument's petroglyphs (or rock carvings) were created by the ancestors of today's Pueblo Indians, most carved from about 1300 through the late 1680s.

People of the pueblos (which means small towns) have lived in the Rio Grande Valley since before 500 A.D., but a population increase occurred around 1300 A.D with numerous new settlements.

In 1680 came the great Pueblo Revolts when the people fought off Spanish rule. However in 1692 the Spanish resettled the area. Traditional ceremonial practices of the native population were discouraged and many believe the image making by the Puebloans decreased.

In addition to the Pueblo petroglyphs, there are more recent ones, created in the 1700s, carved by early Spanish settlers.

If You Go

Wear sturdy shoes, and BRING WATER. This is a desert and there is no water. You will get thirsty hiking. Also, bring a hat to shade your eyes and protect your face from the sun. Sunscreen is a good idea.

For more information visit Petroglyphs - National Park Service