Petroglyph National Monument
A national monument on the volcanic cliffs west of the city, with about 24,000 rock carvings made by Indigenous peoples and during the Spanish colonial period.
The monument stretches along volcanic rock cliffs west of the city and preserves about 24,000 carvings. Most were made by ancestral Puebloan peoples 400 to 700 years ago, and the images include people, animals, stars and spirals. The most popular spots are Boca Negra Canyon (a short trail, with a parking fee) and Rinconada Canyon (about 3.5 km round trip). You can also climb a volcanic cone for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at the visitor center first to get a map. Touching the carvings is prohibited. In summer, bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
Visitor center 08:30–16:30; trail approx. sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
- ABQ BioPark Aquarium & Botanic Garden
- San Felipe de Neri Church
- Old Town Albuquerque
- Sawmill Market
- American International Rattlesnake Museum
- Albuquerque Museum of Art and History
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science