Geotourism Mapguide: A travel guide to the places most respected and recommended by locals.
  National Park or Monument

Petroglyph National Monument

 
Only the people who carved the images know their meaning.
Hand images in Piedras Marcadas Canyon
Air vent at JA Volcano
Broom Dahlia with bee
 

Petroglyph National Monument contains over 20,000 petroglyphs (carvings) pecked into the basalt boulders along a 17 mile volcanic escarpment. Most images were carved by the ancestors of the Pueblo people, but some were carved by early Spanish sheephearders. Located within the City of Albuquerque there are four petroglyph concentrations, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails.

Recreational Opportunities

Rinconada Canyon is a 2.5 mile long sandy trail. Visitors can retreat into the canyon leaving the city behind. Rinconada Canyon contains over 3500 petroglyphs.

Boca Negra Canyon has three paved trails and offers views of hundreds of petroglyphs. Restrooms and shade are available.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon offers a mile long hike and the densest concentration of petroglyphs (over 5000).

The Volcanoes Day Use Area offers three miles of trails. It is located on the western edge of the monument off of Paseo Del Volcan, 4.8 miles north of I-40.

The Las Imagines Visitor Center (three miles north of I-40 at the Untersection of Unser Blvd. and Western Trail offers trail brochures and other interpretive information. Open 8-5 daily.

Seasons Accessible

Year round access.

Fees: City of Albuquerque collects a daily parking fee at Boca negra Canyon only. The rest of the monument is free.

 ADA Accessibility Notes
The Las Imagines Visitor Center is accessible. Portions of Boca Negra Canyon are ADA accessible.
 
 Pet Friendly Notes
Dogs must be leashed and are allowed on all trails except those in Boca Negra Canyon.
 

For More Information, Contact:

Diane Souder

diane_souder@nps.gov
npd.gov/PETR
6001 Unser Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
505-899-0205 x230 · fax 505-899-0207
 

No comments have been made about this nomination. Be the first to add a comment!

- +

Boundaries and names shown do not necessarily reflect the map policy of the National Geographic Society.

Latitude: 35.134077800
Longitude: -106.752954100
Elevation: 5615 FT (1711 M)
Meet the Contributor:
Diane Souder
_
 
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was created to protect cultural and natural resources...
 
El Malpais National Monument
Big views of sweeping panoramic landscapes can be enjoyed here. Lava flows, cinder cones,...
 
El Morro National Monument
The Zuni Indians call it "A'ts'ina" (place of writings on the rock), the Spaniard conquistadors...
 
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Lake Powell
Glen Canyon NRA was established in 1972 to "...provide for public outdoor recreation use and...
 
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Explore the tallest dunes in North America, so big they would cover the city of Denver. The...