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4.5
1,309 votes

Petroglyph National Monument

Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 USA

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Open Now
Thu 8:30a-4:30p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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“Native American Symbols”

Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers. Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites and an estimated 24,000 images carved by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. Their meaning was, possibly, understood only by the carver. These images are the cultural heritage of a people who have long since moved into other areas and moved on through history for many reasons. The monument is intended as a protection for these lands and sites from and for visitors to see and appreciate for generations to come. The National Monument is managed in a manner that allows recreational use.

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Reviewed by
faithbarrett

  • 7 Reviews
  • 11 Helpful
July 12, 2015
Rated

We went to the Boca Negra Canyon. You can see about 100 petroglyphs in a mile walk. If you don't like to hike up hills, then don't do this one. Most of the petroglyphs are up a steep rocky hill. It was well worth the trip, though. Not a hard hike and plenty to see! This was a great pretty quick stop on our western adventure.

6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
paradoxmama

  • 1 Review
  • 6 Helpful
July 01, 2014
Rated

This was interesting and educational but the graffiti and the encroachment of suburbia have left it feeling somewhat depressing.

6 people found this review helpful
  • 22 Reviews
  • 13 Helpful
July 13, 2020
Rated 5.0

Such a cool adventure, please note this address/navigation takes you to the site that is wheelchair accessible, costs $1 on weekdays and $2 on weekends and is NOT dog friendly. We went about 9 minutes further to Piedras Marcadas and had a great 1.5 mile hike. Google maps are wrong, they take you to a dead end- the parking lot and entrance is behind the Valvoline Instant Oil Change.

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Guncowboy

  • 1 Review
  • 4 Helpful
January 03, 2015
Rated 3.0

Be prepared to hike at least two miles in the sand

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Arielkay

  • 34 Reviews
  • 30 Helpful
August 21, 2014
Rated 3.0

Didn't know this place was so spread out! Made it about halfway then our time ran out.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Lesli Peterson

  • Blogger
  • 1,213 Reviews
  • 60 Helpful
January 09, 2022
Rated

The Petroglyph National Monument is home to one of North America’s largest petroglyph sites. Native Americans and Spanish settlers carved these designs and symbols between 400-700 years ago into volcanic rock. These early images have provided historians with invaluable insight into the daily lives of both early Native Americans and Spanish settlers.

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  • 17 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 08, 2021
Rated

Neat place. Not all in the same location. GPS did not take us to the right spots had to stop and ask how to get there.

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  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
June 28, 2019
Rated 4.0

This park covers a variety of spaces that weave in and out of suburbia. Well-maintained bicycle paths and hiking trails connect many of the areas, but there are some for which a drive is the best option between hikes. The visitors center is staffed with knowledgeable rangers, maps, and other information. Some things that can be found in every piece of the park: petroglyphs! They may be found on the long, challenging hikes as well as the shortest, easiest hike, which makes this park a great choice for young families.

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Reviewed by
Dooksy

  • 9 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
June 27, 2017
Rated

We hiked the piedras Marcus canyon and it was incredibly hot. I was miscommunicated with a friend and thought we were getting into an easy 10-30 minute walk. Apparently there is an easy paved path and we went to the wrong one. If you are used to the heat and don't wear flip flops, this hike wouldn't be so bad. We were dying by the end, even with cutting it a half mile short.

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Reviewed by
osailb

  • 9 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
July 23, 2016
Rated 4.0

We definitely enjoyed this site. It was very hot and would have spent more time if it was cooler. There was some obvious vandalism, which was sad, but it didn't take away from the experience. Very cool petroglyphs, but often the petroglyphs were few the higher up you got! Most were found lower on the trails.

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Petroglyph National Monument

Western Trail NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
87103 USA
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Hours

Open now until 4:30 pm
  • Sun - Sat: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

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