Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Boca Negra Canyon

    4.5 (20 reviews)

    Boca Negra Canyon Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Boca Negra Canyon

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Boca Negra Canyon - Petroglyph National Monument
    John D.

    Mouth Park Boca Negra Canyon is one of five (including the Visitors Center) disparate locations around Albuquerque encompassing Petroglyph National Monument. The Good: *This might be the smallest of the sites, but maybe the most fun if you're a fan of climbing. *Not as many Petroglyphs (100 vs 400) as Piedras Mercadas Canyon, but because the hikes/climbs are so short, it makes one feel like they've seen a lot. *Restrooms *Drinking fountains *Spectacular views of Albuquerque and the surrounding area once you get to the top. The Meh: *No dogs allowed *Minimal $2/weekend & $1/weekday entrance fee, but free with National Park pass, of course. The Ugly: *If you have bad knees, then this ain't for you. Steep steps and fairly hearty--but short--inclines to get one to the top. TLDR: Not the most Petroglyphs, but maybe the most fun, if you're a fan of climbing, that is.

    Glenn G.

    Boca Negra Canyon is within the Petroglyph National Monument.  There are three hiking trails inside the canyon - Macaw, Mesa Point, and Cliff Base; all told you can see somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred petroglyphs. The three trails here vary in difficulty - Cliff Base and Macaw are moderate; Mesa Point is an ass kicker ;-) Recently, I hiked Mesa Point with a friend visiting from out-of-town.  The rocks (mostly volcanic in origin) have many different drawings, which including animals, humans, and symbols (both ceremonial and religious).  The combination of the easy access, the difficult terrain, the natural beauty and the historical significance made our visit to this trail both extremely fun and memorable. Tip: Boca Negra Canyon is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm; last entry at 4:00pm is strictly enforced.

    Hiking in Boca Negra Canyon. Over a 100 petroglyphs along the trail.
    Helene S.

    Beautiful trails are located in Boca Negra Canyon to view hundreds of ancient petroglyph images, including people, animals and ceremonial figures. The Mesa Point and Cliff Base Trails are easily explored paved pathways that climb up the side of the canyon for a closer look at the carvings and stunning scenic views. The canyon was formed by six volcanic eruptions that occured about 200,000 years ago. The liquid lava formed peninsulas around the existing hills, that subsequently eroded leaving canyons in a process called reverse topography. Over time, huge boulders broke away and tumbled down creating the canvas for ancient people to chip and peck away to create the numerous petroglyphs over hundreds, or thousands, of years. Amazing to visit this ancient sacred ground that is located literally right next door to a very urban Albuquerque.

    Lisa B.

    We loved Boca Negra. It's easy to park and walk to the petroglyphs. It's a little steep on the climb but very doable if you have average mobility. There is also a flatter section where you can see quitea bit without the climb.

    Isaac A.

    Great views of the city and petroglyphs for only $1 to park. You get a good, short hike I and get to see a ton of drawings on the rocks. The trail is sometimes hard to follow, but not bad amd is right off the parking lot.

    Boca Negra Canyon
    Evan G.

    Boca Negra Canyon is a great place to file for history and hiking. I really like the location and being able to park close to the trails and get right into it. The petroglyphs are really cool and unique. Well worth a visit to check out and experience

    Marcus F.

    This is the park for viewing the petroglyphs. Located just a few miles north of the Petroglyph National Park visitor center. The Mesa Point Trail is a short but steep walk up the mountain that gives you the best views of the petroglyphs and of the surrounding city. Note- it's not the best for those with mobility issues but it should be okay for kids 5 and older. Admission is $2 per car weekends, $1 weekdays. If you have the fourth grader pass it's free...

    Tim K.

    Really enjoyable hike after we landed and needed to stretch our legs a bit. Lots of nice petroglyphs that were easy to spit and beautiful views of the city as well. Amazing that it is as close to town as it is. No facilities out in this area other than some shaded picnic areas so if you are going for an extended hike make sure to bring some water.

    Camille L.

    Aaah, New Mexico?! Where do I start!? So much mysteries and almost sure history. I wish I have all the time in the world to see parts of this state that holds a lot of stories. This place here is also enchanting. A little bit of hike (a smooth one...) takes you all the way to the top and see the magnificent 360 views. This you do a self guided tour which, I did with my family. It is short and sweet and you will run into postings that says a little or a lot about this canyon. I recommend this to all who visit one day or some day. I'm sure we can google this as well. What a lovely experience I had. I love and cherish good memories.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kathy V.
    584
    2304
    10896

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 48
    Thanks 2
    Love this 44
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 42
    Thanks 1
    Love this 42
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 0
    Love this 30
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Evan G.
    128
    4800
    28754

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony M.
    5000
    1300
    1408

    5 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 0
    Love this 30
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Camille L.
    118
    650
    2785

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 1
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Beautiful and worth the visit. Hard to imagine how ancient the writings are on the rock.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan M.
    140
    19
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Boca Negra Canyon

    Review Highlights - Boca Negra Canyon

    The Mesa Point and Cliff Base Trails are easily explored paved pathways that climb up the side of the canyon for a closer look at the carvings and stunning scenic views.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 495 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Nob Hill - Taste of Nob Hill May 2022

    Nob Hill

    (18 reviews)

    Nob Hill

    Keep Albuquerque Quirky! This is a weird arts district for ABQ. This is where the free thinkers,…read morethe forward looking populace expresses their local flavor, their nuances of culture that makes ABQ unique. There's all kinds of great murals, public works of art, and awesome shops to check out up in here. It's right down the way on Route 66 from University of New Mexico, so it's a younger, hip crowd that goes here for local grub, shopping, and events. You're sure to find all kinds of old Route 66 memorabilia, or stuff made by local artisans. It's all small local businesses, there are no chains around here as far as I know. You're sure to find some cool foreign grub, a nice tattoo parlor, or a kitschy gift shop that focuses on Abq pride. Parking can be challenging- keep an eye out for private lots or the back streets off of Central Ave.

    Nob Hill has always been one of my favorite neighborhoods in Albuquerque. It has a plethora of…read moreunique shops and fantastic restaurants - including a variety of sushi places. It tends to be a little more looked over by the tourists and is host to a lot of students which makes for a fun combination of cutting edge and culture. My favorite place to grab a bite to eat would have to be Sushi and Sake - you can't beat the all you can eat sushi - and the Olo Yogurt Studio has incredible locally made frozen yogurt! Boba Tea is a local hit for a reason and should not be overlooked. The AuxDog Theater has great shows and independent Guild Cinema is always a treat, showing hard to find films with really great popcorn! If you want that cool city vibe of walking the street and strolling into shops and checking out menus for the restaurants, Nob Hill is that place.

    Spaceship UFO House

    Spaceship UFO House

    (9 reviews)

    Nob Hill

    Simply stunning, just park on the road and wander around the outside. Unique, imaginative and…read morecool. The Spaceship Ufo House, is a distinctive landmark known for its futuristic design resembling a flying saucer. This privately owned residence stands out with its circular shape and unique decor that reflects a sci-fi theme. Constructed in the 1970s, it has become a popular point of interest for visitors intrigued by its unusual architecture. We need more of this and fortunately New Mexico can deliver.

    This is an odd and unique attraction. The house does resemble a spaceship or something futuristic…read more It is a peculiar site. It is a 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,686 square foot home that was built in 1984 It is an actual house that is currently being lived in, so you cannot go inside and should be respectable of the occupants. You can still get a decent view of the property from the sidewalk and you will find parking right in front of the house on the street. It was the home of artist Bart Prince, who designed it and the accompanying art and not only served as his residence, but his studio too. You will also find some eclectic sculptures scattered around the grounds. This neat little house was sold in 2022 and I have seen it posted as an Air B & B recently. That would be a cool place to stay in, but I am not sure ablout living here, with all of the attention and tourist coming through. This place is a Albuquerque landmark. The abstract metal sculptures that are out front and just behind the fence are as interesting as the house. You will even see a dinosaur. If you are a road tripper, this should definitely be on you to see list if you are in Albuquerque. Anyway, as with most attractions that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, such as the Big Red Arrow, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

    Giant Red Arrow

    Giant Red Arrow

    (31 reviews)

    Midtown/University

    The red arrow is in the parking lot across the road from Whole Foods. A great photo op while you…read morepick up your costume from Spirit Halloween. be nice if there was a little step so you could sit on the platform and hug the arrow. Another fun pop culture stop to mix in with your history and nature stops.

    You will find this gigantic red arrow, with its tip to the ground in a busy Whole Foods Parking…read morelot. It is an Albuquerque staple and a part of the city's culture. It could maybe use a fresh coat of paint, but it is still considerably in great shape since it has been there since 1961. Back then the shopping plaza was named Indiana Plaza. The arrow stands about 20 feet tall and looks like it was shoot into the stone base on which its sits. If the arrow does not already draw enough attention, it use to have neon lighting. However, it was too expensive to maintain so they scrapped it. Another interesting note is that in 1980, some of the plaza's tenants looked to add a few parking spots, which is premium in that location, by ripping out the arrow. The arrow was given landmark status though and it remains in it location today. There is an urban legend that the arrow ended up there by Lil' Beaver, the Indian sidekick of Red Ryder, the cowboy of TV, movie and comic strip fame, using a giant bow to shoot the arrow into an awaiting patch of soft concrete. I love the story and the hype, but I seriously doubt that it is true. I was able to pull into that same parking lot, park, get out and take a closer look. It was very easy. Anyway, as with most attractions that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, such as the space ship house or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

    Boca Negra Canyon - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...