Quick Guide to Petroglyph National Monument
Tour New Mexico’s ancient rock carvings on volcanic rock with this quick guide to Petroglyph National Monument.
After spending a couple days exploring the massive gypsum dune field of White Sands National Park, we continued to check more items off our New Mexico bucket list. Next up, Petroglyph National Monument. This small park on the outskirts of Albuquerque is a great day adventure for those with an enthusiasm for history. The monument showcases 25,000 petroglyphs and historic sites from as far back as 1300 A.D.
We stayed at Route 66 RV Resort during our stay and between all the history we definitely felt like we went back in time. If you’re visiting Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument is a great place to visit.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
ABOUT PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT
Petroglyph National Monument is a 7,500 acre park located in Albuquerque New Mexico. The park was established in 1990 and features 25,000 petroglyphs, hundreds of archeological sites, and 5 volcanic cones. The park offers 4 trails, 3 which have petroglyphs, ranging from 1 to 4 miles, 2 bike friendly trails, Junior Ranger Programs, auto tours, and online classroom curriculum for homeschool and field trips.
There is no fee or reservations required to visit Petroglyph National Monument.
PET POLICY
Pets are allowed on the Rinconada Canyon trail, Piedras Marcadas Canyon and the Volcanos Day Use Area. They aren’t allowed on the Boca Negra Canyon trail.
GETTING TO PETROGLYPH NATIONAL MONUMENT
Petroglyph National Monument stretches 17 miles along Unser Blvd in an urban area on the western side of Albuquerque. The park is divided into 5 areas, the Information Center, Volcanos Day Use Area, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and Boca Negra Canyon.
It’s important to note the Information Center is a self serve station offering park brochures, trail guides, restrooms, water, and a park store. No trails are located at the Information Center.
BE AWARE OF VEHICLE BREAK INS IN PARKING LOTs. Petroglyph National Monument is located in an urban area which make vehicle break ins unfortunately common. Make sure to lock your car doors and don’t leave anything valuable inside. When we visited a police officer was on property.
RINCONADA CANYON
See 300 petroglyphs. Binoculars and polarized sunglasses are recommend.
TRAILS
Rinconada Canyon Trail | 2.1 Miles | Moderate
HOURS
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AMENITIES
Vault toilets available. Pets allowed.
LOCATION
1.3 miles south of the Petroglyph Information Center. Parking is in designated national monument parking lot.
PIEDRAS MARCADAS CANYON
See 400 petroglyphs.
TRAILS
Petroglyph Trail | 1.8 Miles | Moderate
North Rim Trail | 1.4 Miles | Moderate
HOURS
Sunrise to sunset
AMENITIES
None. Pets allowed.
LOCATION
6 miles north from Petroglyph Information Center. Parking is behind the Valvoline Oil Change.
BOCA NEGRA CANYON
See 100 petroglyphs.
TRAILS
Mesa Point | 0.30 Mile | Strenuous
Macaw | 0.10 Mile | Moderate
Cliff Base | 0.10 Mile | Moderate
HOURS
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
AMENITIES
Restrooms, picnic tables, shade, and drinking water are available. No pets are allowed. Bicycle use allowed on the multi use path.
LOCATION
2.5 miles north of the Petroglyph Information Center. Parking is in designated national monument parking lot.
VOLCANOS DAY USE AREA
No petroglyphs
TRAILS
Volcanos | 3 Miles | Moderate
JA Volcano | 1 Mile | Easy
Vulcan Volcano | 2 Miles | Moderate
North Volcano | 2.3 Miles | Moderate
HOURS
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AMENITIES
None. Pets are allowed.
LOCATION
2.5 miles north of the Petroglyph Information Center. Parking is in designated national monument parking lot.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever visited Petroglyph National Monument.
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
LOOKING FOR MORE NEW MEXICO?
HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Take a walk back in time through ancient cliff dwellings at the Bandelier National Monument. This one day guide features everything you need to know before you go, including what to bring, when to go, and top things to do.