Check out this bike trail winding past volcanoes on ABQ's West Side
Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth TuckerElizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer
PublishedModified
Source Google Maps
If You Go
Directions to Paseo de la Mesa Trail
From the intersection of Montaño and Unser NW, proceed north on Unser up through the escarpment-cut.
At the top of the grade, look to the left for big water tanks and prepare to turn.
Turn west on Molten Rock NW, a short ways to stop sign.
Turn south on 81st NW.
Proceed south on 81st a short ways to trailhead entry and turn right/west into trailhead parking-lot.
Follow directional signs from 81st and Molten Rock to lot.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and wear sun protection, there is no shade on this trail.
Be courteous of other trail users, and be aware that maintenance vehicles may be on the trail.
Paseo de la Mesa Trail is a biking trail that winds through Albuquerque's Open Space past the Petroglyph National Monument, giving trail users a chance to enjoy the volcanoes and other geological features of the area.
The 4.2-mile trail is paved and uninterrupted by roadways.
In addition to Petroglyph National Monument, riders have 360-degree views of the Jemez, Santa Fe, Sandia, Manzano, San Mateo and Magdalena mountain ranges.
The trail is open not only to hikers and cyclists, but also wheelchair users, in-line skaters and horse riders.
This trail is recommended for advanced cyclists and hikers.
Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail
More Outdoor Trails
Visitors at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail walk along the trail surrounded by lava rocks in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Visitors at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail walk along the trail surrounded by lava rocks in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Joyce Jentoft, from Ohio, look for Petroglyphs among the volcano rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Donna Christley and Joyce Jentoft, both from Ohio, look for Petroglyphs among the volcano rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Joyce Jentoft, left, and Donna Christley, both from Ohio, look for Petroglyphs among the volcano rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Joyce Jentoft, left, and Donna Christley, both from Ohio, look for Petroglyphs among the volcano rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyphs are etched into the rocks at Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal
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