Petroglyph National Monument Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Petroglyph National Monument featuring tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument which includes tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument featuring tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument featuring tranquil scenes

Walk through a vast volcanic landscape to see one of the largest concentrations of indigenous rock art in North America.

Spanning more than 17 miles (27 kilometers) across a basalt escarpment in the Rio Grande Rift Valley are the more than 25,000 rock carvings that make up the Petroglyph National Monument. Created by American Indians and early Spanish settlers, the carvings continue to hold important spiritual significance to today's Pueblo Indians. The national monument encompasses archeological sites, five volcanic cones and walking trails that explore the New Mexico landscape.

Before venturing to the petroglyphs, stop by the Las Imagines Visitor Center where you can pick up free copies of brochures and trail maps. Embark on a self-guided walk or a ranger-led trail to view the petroglyphs. Routes range in length from just 200 feet (61 meters) to 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometer) round trips. The most accessible area is Boca Negra Canyon, where there are approximately 100 petroglyphs.

Follow the trails that lead the Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas Canyons, where you can see approximately 300 and 500 carvings respectively. Among the huge variety of designs spot snakes, birds, lizards, turtles and geometric patterns etched into the rocks. Archeologists believe that many of the national monument's petroglyphs were created between the early 14th and late 17th centuries

Continue your trek through the national monument by taking the trails that pass the volcanic cinder cones. The main trail is a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) round trip and provides views of Rio Grande Rift Valley, Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains on the horizon. Enjoy the vistas from any of the three shaded rest areas.

Look for local wildlife like roadrunners, blue-tailed lizards and rattlesnakes as you make your way through the arid, desert landscape.

Petroglyph National Monument is located in the Rio Grande Rift Valley, approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Albuquerque. This protected area is open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free although there is a small charge for parking at Boca Negra Canyon.

The Querque Hotel

The Querque Hotel

3 out of 5
1760 Menaul Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,161 reviews)
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Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

The Querque Hotel
Hotel 505

Hotel 505

2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ₹4,854 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹4,854
₹5,612 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,291 reviews)
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Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel 505
ARRIVE Albuquerque

ARRIVE Albuquerque

4 out of 5
717 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ₹8,477 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,477
₹9,800 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and El Rey Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (417 reviews)
"Lovely staff. Great outdoor pool. Nice restaurant."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

ARRIVE Albuquerque
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