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    Petroglyph National Monument

    4.2 (184 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Jen K.

    We had an enjoyable afternoon experiencing two of the three canyon trails. It was helpful to stop at the Visitor Center first to receive a map, including the address for one of the parking lots, and use the restrooms. It is odd that the start of the Piedras Marcadas trail is basically a parking lot behind a gas station. Boca Negra is the shortest trail, but it also went up, up, up a rock formation. It was a clear trail, but you will do some mild bouldering. There were nice views towards Albuquerque at the top. Piedras Marcadas was a wide open dirt walking trail with several loops. Really neither would be great if you have physical limitations, since these aren't paved trails. You see a good number of petroglyphs on both trails, but are closer to them at Boca Negra. We skipped Rinconada Canyon since it is the longest trail and we ran out of time. You can bring pets, but they must remain on leash. Make sure to bring your own water and use the restrooms at the Visitor Center since there aren't facilities at the trail heads. We saw petroglyphs in some other parks and historic sites in New Mexico, but these were the largest collection and in the best condition.

    Matt C.

    Petroglyphs NM was a blast! I went in October for the solar eclipse, and really loved this area. It's a bit different than other parks in that the visitor center is removed from the actual drawings. So get some maps, info, and head back in your car for more! There are three locations to view the petroglyphs. I loved the winding sandy trails, but they can be very hot and barren. The drawings are easy to see along the paths, and some have unique designs! This is an excellent and free area to explore, close to ABQ, and definitely worth a stop!

    Linda O.

    What an experience! An easy walk and over 400 petroglyphs! Bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to scan and follow the audio...it's a wealth of information.

    Petroglyph National Monument
    John D.

    Rule of Draw Petroglyphs National Monument is an interesting park, as it's not all centrally located in one area but broken up into five disparate areas (including the Visitors Center) scattered around Albuquerque and the striving area. 1) Visitors Center is a must-stop to get some swag, your NPS Passport Stamp, and some good info from the friendly Rangers. 2) Piedras Mercadas Canyon is the most bang for your buck as far as Petroglyphs go, as you'll get over 400 in a 1.8-mile round-trip trail Please see the separate Yelp page for a more detailed review. 3) Boca Negra Canyon has fewer Petroglyphs (±100) but is a lot of fun for those who like to climb and live spectacular views. Please see the separate Yelp page for a more detailed review. 4) Rinconada Canyon has 300 petroglyphs on a short 2.2-mile hike. I didn't visit, so I can't really comment, but see the separate Yelp page for more information. 5) Volcanoes Day Use Area has zero petroglyphs, but some nice views and bikes friendly trail which loops around several volcanoes. I didn't visit, so I can't really comment, but see the separate Yelp page for more information. TLDR: Fantastic park with five totally unique experiences that take longer to drive to-and-from them than to actually take them all in.

    The sign so I would remember.
    Michael H.

    I was amazed at the changes and improvements in 30 years. I my family came here in the 80's on a family vacation. The walking trials are labeled and have hand rails as well as steps in many places. I was disappointed to see how the rocks were splitting and some of the petroglyphs were disappearing. In a few generations they will probably be gone for good. Great park and easy trails but not ADA so wear proper shoes and be ready for a little hike up to see some of them.

    Placard about Rinconda Canyon Trail - Petroglyph National Park
    Tina C.

    The hike starts at a different parking lot than the visitor center ( had to get back in the car and drive down the road). This is an easy hike but there is no shade along the way. Seeing the petroglyphs was very cool. We did not see 300 or so that was mentioned, so it would have been nice to have a bit more signage or a reference map for where to look. Got some great pics of the ones we could find though.

    I was here in 1998 and again today. It's still as enjoyable hiking and seeing the petroglyphs as it was then. Did less hiking this time because of the heat.

    Hand and ...lizard?
    Barbara P.

    We loved Petroglyph National Monument. We were leaving Albuquerque on Easter when not much was open, so we came here just to kill time, but we ended up really enjoying it. We stopped at the visitor center first and talked to a person there about what the best hike would be for us. She recommend one at the far Northeast (about a 6 mile drive away). After checking out the gift shop (really nice assortment of stuff at decent prices) and picking up some sunscreen there, we headed over. It was a beautiful sunny day in the 70s, so it wasn't hot at all, and the walk of mostly flat and not difficult at all, and maybe... 3 miles? But when they say "bring water" they mean it. We didn't bring water and I was dying of thirst by the time we got back. Remember that the very dry climate and the higher elevation make a difference. Bring water! So we took the trail and it was well marked. As you walk, you will see petroglyphs scattered throughout, but the trail has little markers at places where, if you stop and look right there, you will see a lot of petroglyphs. So it's very easy to find them. We really loved seeing the pictures of art, and also wondering what the significance was (because no one knows). Definitely worth the time!

    Who knows what
    Lindsay W.

    With over 700 petroglyphs on one mellow hike, I can't even say enough. Literally pictures can't even do it justice. We stopped at the visitor center first to learn about the different trails and check out the shops swag. The rangers were very helpful at gauging what level of hike we should do and best routes. Once we picked our destination, they gave us a map that has marker numbers and explained how to drive there and where to park for free. Our hike was about 3 miles but included lava, valley views, lizards and squirrels, and the trippiest rock petroglyphs I'd ever seen. Who knew!?!? I can only imagine the views when there were no houses but just volcanoes and more volcanoes.

    Erika Z.

    My husband wanted to come here and see this in person. Super cool to see all the drawings on the rocks. These carvings have been here over 1200 years. Super cool experience.

    Joop V.

    Petroglyph is a good place to take visitors to go see, especially if they are new to NM. The visitor center itself is nice..and they do play videos so you can just sit and watch. The actual center also smells wonderful like a spa...which is different from their public restrooms next to a parking space that are so full of flies. Yuck. You can't actually hike from the visitor center..but get to choose from 2 places (that are just 5 min drive away): 1) Boca Negra Canyon or ) Riconada Canyon. I personally had gone to both and enjoyed Riconada Canyon more. The Riconada Canyon trail is flat, dog friendly, has more Petroglyph to see and perhaps takes around 1.5 hrs walking in a loop (go in the morning/late evening to avoid the heat, especially during the summer please!). Boca Negra Canyon's trail isn't super long..doesn't seem to have as many petroglyphs to see..but the trail has inclines..so it's probably not suitable if someone in your group isn't comfortable with inclined hikes. Overall, quite ok places to visit. It costs just $1/car to go on a weekday and $2/car on weekends...such a good deal. The other negative thing may just be...sometimes the trail doesn't have clear directions...so you kindda have to guess where to go along the trails.

    The three dormant volcanoes, a petroglyph national park
    Hillary P.

    Offering three points of entry this park is exceptionally large and would cater to whatever you're looking for. Hiking paths in the open area allow you to see the dormant volcanoes. At an alternative entrance you can walk for 1 1/2 to 3 miles depending on which path you take and see the awesome petroglyphs in the canyon. My only comment is that the paths could've been marked just a little bit better, particularly if you take the one less traveled. Highly recommended opportunity to get out, stretch your legs and see some amazing archaeology.

    Nicole E.

    The parking and drop off area are close together. It's about 1/4 mile hike to the Piedras Marcadas canyon and 3/4 to Rinconada canyon. You either have to walk or bike to the trails. No shading at all either. Sounds fun, right on a warm and sunny day? Parking fee is $1 for weekdays and $2 for the weekend.

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    Great experience! Enjoyed the walk the view was nice! Be ready to climb though! The visitor center had info on all the trails

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Petroglyph National Monument

    How much to enter the park? Parking fees?

    It depends; some are free, and some are just a few dollars.

    How much does it cost?

    Petroglyph NM is free to enter at all three trails.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Petroglyph National Monument

    3) Boca Negra Canyon has fewer Petroglyphs (±100) but is a lot of fun for those who like to climb and live spectacular views.

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    TWA Plane Crash Hiking Trail - One of the two places where you will probably lose the trail.  This is looking down the trail, but coming up stay left.

    TWA Plane Crash Hiking Trail

    (6 reviews)

    Eastside

    Water, water, water! Bring at least 3 litters of water. You will not have any left over. It is a…read moretrue kickass hike! The last time I did it I was scrambling up a steep rock face, and there was a gentleman waiting for me at the top of the rock face who encouraged me by saying, "you are almost at the crash site!" When I told him that I knew because I had been there before, he responded in amazement and asked, "why the heck did you come back?!" Yep, for many, it is that kind of hike! I believe it is rated at 4.8 out of 5 in difficulty, and by the time you finish the last half mile or so you will probably agree. Download a topographic trail (i.e. AllTrails) map on your phone, and you might need to bring an extra power source, because your phone may drain down searching for a cell signal while you lay down electronic breadcrumbs on the digital map. However, there are two places where it is almost guaranteed that you will miss a turn, and add some "bonus" miles. You definitely don't need "bonus " miles on this hike. You pass through at least 2-3 biomes as you ascend and descend. It's an interesting hike, but be prepared to give yourself a pep talk or two along the way Up. Also, expect your legs to be shaky by the bottom. Decending is a lot of eccentric contractions, which only fire about half the muscle fibers as concentric contractions. You can fact check that yourself. This is a hike to build up to. Remember - the best rescue is a self rescue! Have fun, be smart, and be safe.

    I didn't care to smell funky homeless asses when trying to enjoy a venue. This city is a shit hole…read moreand it ruined the whole experience. The nature needs his asses beat for allowing this city to look like this i would not recommend people I care about to come visit this shit hole. It's not twa trails fault but I hate this city so fun things regrettable get a poor review. I am glad I wasn't born and raised here cause I would have blown my own brains out to not have to be in this poverty stricken city. I apologize for any typos on this review

    Petroglyph National Monument - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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