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 ...
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Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

The Querque Hotel
Hotel 505

Hotel 505

2.5 out of 5
900 Medical Arts Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM
The price is €55 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€55
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,399 reviews)
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Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Hotel 505
Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is €88 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€88
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG
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 ...
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Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Native Charm Adobe Guesthouse in Historic Old Town with wifi, AC, patio grill.
Secure carport, amazing Views and Reviews!  Private suite with patio.

Secure carport, amazing Views and Reviews! Private suite with patio.

Albuquerque
Stay at this apartment in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and ABQ BioPark Aquarium are ...
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Secure carport, amazing Views and Reviews! Private suite with patio.
ABQ Home Overlooking Mountain- Near Sandia Tramway + Balloon Fiesta

ABQ Home Overlooking Mountain- Near Sandia Tramway + Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque
Stay at this vacation home in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Balloon Fiesta Park and Paradise Hills Golf Club ...
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Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

ABQ Home Overlooking Mountain- Near Sandia Tramway + Balloon Fiesta
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.