Petroglyph National Monument: What to know about exploring 4 different trails (30 + photos)

Petroglyph National Monument visitors center in Albuquerque Sept. 23, 2023 (Elizabeth Tucker / Albuquerque Journal

Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth Tucker Elizabeth Tucker Journal Staff Writer

Published September 24, 2023 - 2:11 p.m. Modified June 17, 2025 - 8:34 a.m.

Petroglyph National Monument is comprised of four different trails with the visitor center somewhat centralized between the trailheads.

Each trail leads to different petroglyphs and volcanos and has varied lengths and degrees of difficulty.

I explored the Rinconada Canyon Trail recently, which is just over 2 miles long and is an easy to moderate sandy loop.

The trail has no shade, only scrub bushes so it is important to wear proper sun protection and bring plenty of water.

The path is fairly easy to walk with minor sweeps and swells, but you will not be able to take a stroller, wheelchair or power chair through the soft sand.

The hike took roughly an hour as I took my time stopping to look for petroglyphs.

The petroglyphs are scattered throughout the lava rocks along the hike, some are small and hard to spot so it is a good idea to bring binoculars to help in the search.

Information signs posted at distance markers share information about the carvings, which are believed to have been done by the Piedras Marcada Pueblo people between 1300 and 1540 A.D.

There are more than 23,000 petroglyphs in the area of various shapes, some clearly faces or animals, some unknown objects. It is believed the Puebloans — who did not have a written language — used the images as a form of communication, as markers for sacred places, trade routes or to record events.

Petroglyph National Monument Rinconada Canyon Trail

If You Go

Directions to Petroglyph National Monument trails

Boca Negra Canyon: 1 hour, 100 petroglyphs, developed trail system

No Dogs allowed on petroglyph viewing trails.

Open daily 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM daily is strictly enforced

Located off Unser Blvd. NW, approximately one-quarter mile north of Montano Road.

GPS Lat: 35.160565 Long: -106.719646

Operated and staffed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division, this trail system offers visitors the opportunity to view about 100 petroglyphs along three paved trails that are guided by signs. Restroom facilities, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and shaded seating areas are available.

Rinconada Canyon: 2.2 miles round trip, 2 hours, 200-300 petroglyphs, undeveloped trail system, no water.

Leashed pets allowed, 6 foot maximum leash length. Dogs allowed only on the non-petroglyph section of the trail which is in the middle of the canyon. Owners must pick up dog waste and place in a trash can. DO NOT leave bags along trail. Violators will be cited and fined.

Parking lot open daily 8:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. Access is allowed sunrise to sunset.

Located off Unser Blvd. NW at the St. Joseph Ave. intersection, approximately 2 miles north of I-40

GPS Lat: 35.126968 Long: -106.724635

The longest petroglyph viewing trail system in the monument, this moderate undeveloped trail is 2.2 miles round-trip. Water is not available. Vault restroom facility is available at the trail head. See approximately 300 petroglyphs in 1.5-2 hours. Leashed pets allowed only on section of trail in the middle of the canyon. Parking lot is open 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. A free trail guide is available at the visitor center.

Warning: Lock your vehicle and set your alarm. Do not invite a thief by leaving valuables visible in your vehicle.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon: 1.5 miles round trip, 1.5 hours, 300-500 petroglyphs, undeveloped trail system, no water, no restrooms

Dogs on 6-foot leash allowed. Owners must pick up dog waste and place in a trash can. DO NOT leave bags along trail. Violators will be cited and fined.

Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Located off Golf Course Road at Jill Patricia Street. Parking lot is behind the Valvoline Motor Oil Change station.

GPS Lat: 35.188749 Long: -106.685601

Located in the north-eastern tip of the monument, this moderate undeveloped trail system is 1.5 miles round-trip. Water is not available. No restroom facilities. No shade. See approximately 300-500 petroglyphs in 1.5 hours. Leashed pets allowed. A free trail guide is available at the information center.

Volcanoes Day Use Area: 1 mile to 4 miles round trip, 1-4 hours, no petroglyphs, undeveloped trail system, no water

Dogs on 6-foot leash allowed. Owners must pick up dog waste and place in a trash can. DO NOT leave bags along trail. Violators will be cited and fined.

Parking lot open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Access is allowed sunrise to sunset.

Located off Atrisco Vista Blvd. (exit # 149), approximately 4.8 miles north of I-40

GPS Lat: 35.130817 Long: -106.780826

Located on the western edge of the monument, this trail system offers scenic miles of hiking around the volcanic cinder cones. Although the area is void of petroglyphs, you'll enjoy the clear views of the Rio Grande valley and the Sandia Mountains from the scenic overlook. Trails vary in length from 1 mile to 4 miles round-trip. Water is not available. A vault restroom facility is available. Leashed pets are allowed. The parking lot is located off Atrisco Vista Blvd. NW, approximately 4.8 miles north of Interstate 40. The parking lot is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.