Petroglyph National Monument

Exploring Early American History at Petroglyph National Monument

If you're interested in early American history, a visit to the west side of the Rio Grande is a must. Here, you'll discover Petroglyph National Monument, one of New Mexico's top attractions. Covering 7,239 acres, this park is home to over 25,000 carved images created by Native Americans and Spanish settlers.

Planning Your Visit

Before embarking on your petroglyph adventure, stop by the visitor center. Note that the petroglyph viewing trails are located 1 to 6 miles from the visitor center. If using a cab or ride-share service, ensure the driver waits to transport you to the trailheads.

Exploring the Trails

Petroglyph National Monument offers three primary hiking areas:

Boca Negra Canyon

This area features three short trails leading to approximately 100 petroglyphs.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon

Visitors will encounter the highest concentration of petroglyphs here, with 400 carvings scattered along a 1.5-mile roundtrip trail. Recent visitors have praised the accessibility and views of the petroglyphs.

Rinconada Canyon

The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, visitors can access the canyon earlier and later by parking outside the lot. The trail hours at Boca Negra are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last entry strictly enforced at 4 p.m. Piedras Marcadas Canyon is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Getting There

Petroglyph National Monument is situated around 7 miles northwest of downtown Albuquerque. As there is no public transportation to the monument, driving or using a cab or ride-share service is necessary. The park welcomes visitors daily, with the information center hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Costs and Fees

The National Park Service does not charge an admission fee to enter Petroglyph National Monument. However, a small parking fee applies at Boca Negra Canyon: $1 per vehicle on weekdays and $2 on weekends. For more detailed information, visit the NPS website.

Educational Programs

Staff members at the visitor center can direct you to specific attractions within the park. Additionally, on-site educational programs provide further insight into the ancient rock art.