Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers.
Photo: NPS Photo / Daniel Leifheit
Petroglyph National Monument
- LocationAlbuquerque, NM
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
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Weather now63°F Clear
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Geology
- Native American Heritage
- Volcanoes
Alerts (3)
CautionBe City Smart: Take precautions to secure your vehicle and valuables. This is an urban park. Don't hide valuables inside your car. Carry items with you on hike. Lock your vehicle and set car… Read more
This is an urban park. Don't hide valuables inside your car. Carry items with you on hike. Lock your vehicle and set car alarm. Report suspicious persons loitering/peeking in cars. Call 928-638-7805
InformationAttention Visitors, Cab drivers, Uber drivers, and transportation service drivers DO NOT drop off your passengers at the visitor center. No trail access. Visitors must be driven to a trail system from t… Read more
DO NOT drop off your passengers at the visitor center. No trail access. Visitors must be driven to a trail system from the visitor center. If passengers want to go to the visitor center, WAIT FOR THEM in the parking lot until they come back out.
InformationBicycle Use In The Monument Bicycles are ONLY allowed at the following locations: 1 - On the Boca Negra Canyon paved multiuse path; bicycles must re… Read more
Bicycles are ONLY allowed at the following locations: 1 - On the Boca Negra Canyon paved multiuse path; bicycles must remain on the paved bike path. 2 - On the crusher fine trail that winds in and out of the park around the mesa top above Boca Negra.
Things to Do
7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Boca Negra Canyon
Visiting Boca Negra Canyon.
Learn more about Boca Negra Canyon on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Junior and Senior Ranger Programs
Details about the Petroglyph National Monument Junior and Senior Ranger programs.
Learn more about Junior and Senior Ranger Programs on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnicking at Petroglyph National Monument
Locations of picnic areas in Petroglyph National Monument.
Learn more about Picnicking at Petroglyph National Monument on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
Details about the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail.
Learn more about Piedras Marcadas Canyon on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Rinconada Canyon
Details about the hike in Rinconada Canyon.
Learn more about Rinconada Canyon on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Volcanoes Day Use Area
Details about the Volcanoes Day Use Area.
Learn more about Volcanoes Day Use Area on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
WNPA Park Store
Details about the WNPA park store.
Learn more about WNPA Park Store on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 7 of 7
All 8 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Petroglyph Information Center
Facility
Park information only. There are no hiking trails at the visitor information center. The Information Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. It is located at the…
Albuquerque, NM (505) 899-0205 Directions
Details
Park information only. There are no hiking trails at the visitor information center. The Information Center is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. It is located at the intersection of Unser Blvd. NW and Western Trail. From Interstate 40, take the Unser Blvd. exit (#154) and proceed north for 3 miles. GPS Lat: 35.1385 Long: -106.711 Park Store open 9-4. You must drive to a petroglyph viewing trail system from the visitor information center. They are located 2-6.5 miles away from the information center.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM · Boca Negra Canyon
Hours by area (4)
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Boca Negra CanyonDaily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Staffed by our partner, the City of Albuquerque Open Space, this developed trail system consists of 3 short, paved trails with trail markers. Full-service restroom facility, picnic tables, shaded seating areas and a shaded patio area. See up to 100 petroglyphs in one hour if you walk all 3 trails. Last entry is at 4:00 pm daily and all visitors are swept out at 4:30 pm sharp. Pets not allowed on the petroglyph viewing trails. Trails are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Monday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Thursday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Saturday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Sunday 8:30AM - 4:30PM -
Rinconada CanyonDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
An undeveloped trail system, no water or services are provided. A 2.2-mile round trip trail where up to 300 petroglyphs can be viewed, especially in the back of the canyon. The natural earth surface trail is easy to moderate to walk. Picnic tables are located in the parking lot. A vault toilet is available. No water. Open for hiking on holidays. After hours parking is available outside of the gated parking lot. Lock your vehicle, secure your valuables, do not leave any items visible. Leashed pets allowed.
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 8:00AM - 5:00PM -
Piedras Marcadas CanyonDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
Nestled in the northernmost tip of the monument, this undeveloped trail system is a 6.5-mile drive from the information center. The petroglyph viewing trail is 1.5 miles in and out. No water, no restroom, no amenities available. See up to 400 petroglyphs. Leashed pets allowed, pick-up waste & put in trash can. The non-gated parking lot is located off Golf Course Rd. at Jill Patricia St. (behind the Valvoline Motor Oil station, use Google maps). Stop by the information center for a free trail guide.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset -
Volcanoes Day Use AreaDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
No petroglyph viewing available. One to four miles of hiking trails lead you to the scenic overlook or around the bases of the cinder cones. Hiking to the tops of cones is prohibited. No water available. Vault restroom, benches, and trash cans available. Leashed pets allowed. Owners must pick-up waste & place in trash can. Parking lot is located off Atrisco Vista Blvd. (I-40 exit #149) approximately 4.7 miles north of Interstate 40. Stop by the information center for a free trail guide.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Visitor Information Center, Unser Blvd. NW at Western TrailAlbuquerque, NM 87120
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
63°F
Clear · feels like 56°
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Today
69° 57°
Sunny4% rain -
Tomorrow
61° 50°
Sunny36% rain
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Thursday
66° 47°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Altitude approx. 5000 ft. Usually sunny and dry, with low relative humidity. Winter temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees F. Summer temperatures range from 88-99 degrees F. 278 days of sunshine per year. Spring can be windy with 20 to 30 mph sustained winds which can produce periods of blowing sand and dust. For current weather forecast, Google Albuquerque weather.
Upcoming Events
5 coming up-
Guided Hike: Rinconada Canyon
About
These weekly hikes will focus on the history, geology, and petroglyphs along the 2.2 mile loop trail at Rinconada Canyon. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Hikes will be led by park volunteer James Platt.
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Spanish Broom Flamenco Performance
About
Experience a live traditonal Spanish flamenco performance at the Visitor Infomation Center's amphitheater on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00 PM. Bring a a seat cushion for comfort.
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Guided Hike: Piedras Marcadas Canyon
About
Join Petroglyph National Monument volunteer, Dr. Weixelman, for an evening walk at Piedras Marcadas Canyon. On this 1.5-mile sandy and flat trail, you'll enjoy seeing hundreds of petroglyphs and diverse species of desert wildlife. No amenities are available. Bring plenty of water with you. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes with good ankle support. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary for petroglyph-viewing. Meet in the Piedras Marcadas parking lot (Jill Patricia St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114).
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Author Talk: Haunted New Mexico By Christine Rogel
About
Author Christine Rogel will discuss her book, Haunted New Mexico, including the research and experiences behind compiling this group of stories. A great read for October, her work showcases the mystical quality of the state of New Mexico and challenges what is real and imaginary.
Show 1 more events
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Guided Hike: Rinconada Canyon
About
These weekly hikes will focus on the history, geology, and petroglyphs along the 2.2 mile loop trail at Rinconada Canyon. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Hikes will be led by park volunteer James Platt.
Photos
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Petroglyph of a small mammal along the Mesa Point Trail in Boca Negra Canyon. — NPS Photo -
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3 more photos
Getting There
Albuquerque, NM 87120
GPS: Lat: 35.139 Long: -106.711 From Interstate 40, take the Unser Blvd. exit (#154) proceed north 3 miles to Western Trail. Turn left or west onto Western Trail and follow road to the Visitor Information Center parking lot.
Full directions
From Interstate 25, take the Paseo del Norte exit (#232) and proceed west to Coors Road exit south (must be in center lane to veer left at the Y). Proceed south on Coors Road to Western Trail. Turn right or west onto Western Trail and follow road to the Visitor Info Center parking lot.
Mailing address: Headquarters Administration Offices, Albuquerque, NM 87120
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