Petroglyph National Monument

Travel Guide

Petroglyph National Monument which includes tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument showing tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument showing tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument showing 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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,222 reviews)
"Everyone was really kind and helpful fantastic service. It was older, but it was very clean so that was nice!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

The Querque Hotel
Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites

3.5 out of 5
2400 Yale Blvd Se, Albuquerque, NM
The price is €91 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€91
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,615 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Best Western Airport Albuquerque InnSuites Hotel & Suites
Nativo Lodge

Nativo Lodge

3 out of 5
6000 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €111 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€111
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,074 reviews)
"Resort fee should be reimbursed due to beverage options being limited to only one."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Nativo Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Native Charm Adobe Guesthouse in Historic Old Town with wifi, AC, patio grill.

Native Charm Adobe Guesthouse in Historic Old Town with wifi, AC, patio grill.

albuquerque
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and Albuquerque Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Great location. I enjoyed having our own little Casita with no neighbors on top of us and a private patio area plus parking. The beds are uncomfortable and really should be upgraded to make it an excellent stay. It was a little frustrating that I didn't receive an email with the door entry code. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Native Charm Adobe Guesthouse in Historic Old Town with wifi, AC, patio grill.
Modern Tesla Smart Home in Albuquerque – Solar Roof & EV Charging

Modern Tesla Smart Home in Albuquerque – Solar Roof & EV Charging

Albuquerque
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Route 66 Casino and ABQ BioPark Botanic ...
Modern Tesla Smart Home in Albuquerque – Solar Roof & EV Charging
Turquoise Trail Bungalow with Amazing Views

Turquoise Trail Bungalow with Amazing Views

Sandia Park
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sandia Park. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Old Schoolhouse ...
10/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
Wonderful and peaceful
"We came out to explore the area before I went to a painting retreat in Santa Fe. We brought our dog and felt like this was a great central location. The fenced back yard was perfect to let our dog off-leash and stretch her legs. We couldn’t have asked for a better house and location. If we are ever ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Turquoise Trail Bungalow with Amazing Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.