Petroglyph National Monument

What is Petroglyph National Monument?

The monument runs about 17 miles along the West Mesa, a basalt escarpment that forms the western skyline of Albuquerque. It covers 7,236 acres. Along its western edge stands a row of dormant fissure volcanoes; from north to south they are Butte, Bond, Vulcan, Black and JA. In total the monument protects five volcanic cones, hundreds of archaeological sites and the carvings themselves.

Many of the petroglyphs are easy to read: animals, human figures, livestock brands and crosses. Other designs are harder to interpret, and their meaning may only ever have been known to the person who made them.

History of Petroglyph National Monument

The monument was authorized on June 27, 1990. Management is shared between the National Park Service and Albuquerque's city government. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has appeared on the list of America's Most Endangered Historic Places. The land is managed to allow recreation while protecting the sites for future generations.

Visiting Petroglyph National Monument: tips

Visitors can reach four main areas: Boca Negra, Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas canyons, plus the Volcano Day Use trails. Each has its own access point, so pick one or two rather than trying to see everything. Allow at least an hour per area, wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Stay on the trails and never touch or climb on the carvings. Afterwards, the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is about 4.7 miles away, and the El Campo Tourist Courts, a retro roadside motel, about 5.1 miles.