Petroglyph National Monument, NM

Travel Guide

Petroglyph National Monument featuring tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument which includes tranquil scenes
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument which includes 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! (4,428 reviews)
"It’s usually where I stay every couple of weeks. I like it"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

The Querque Hotel
ARRIVE Albuquerque

ARRIVE Albuquerque

4 out of 5
717 Central Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ¥14,043 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
¥14,043
¥16,239 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Albuquerque. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions ABQ Uptown and El Rey Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (595 reviews)
"Fast check-in. Rooms are all remodeled in a very dated style. I liked it."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

ARRIVE Albuquerque
Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM
The price is ¥13,820 per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
¥13,820
¥15,978 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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! (1,026 reviews)
"I would have locked the steakhouse but it wasn't open"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 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.
Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.

Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.

Albuquerque
Stay at this condo in Albuquerque. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Isleta Amphitheater and ABQ Uptown are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Luis answered all of my questions. The place was in the perfect location. I woke up to “Hi neighbor” ! Every morning. Thank you for making me feel safe"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Charming 2-bedroom condo in wonderful Albuquerque with WiFi, AC.
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! (72 reviews)
"It appeared to be a recent remodel in a quiet neighborhood. It had a beautiful fireplace A\C and everything I needed. 5 star towels and very comfortlable bed and pillows."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Turquoise Trail Bungalow with Amazing Views
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! (16 reviews)
"Great property in a fantastic location!!!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

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

Cities near Petroglyph National Monument