Petroglyph National Monument lies on the western edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 6001 Unser Blvd NW. It protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with more than 24,000 images carved into the dark volcanic rock along the basalt escarpments west of the city.
The carvings were made by Ancestral Puebloan people and, later, by Spanish settlers, over a span of roughly 400 to 700 years. Walking among the boulders, visitors can see a wide range of figures: animals, human forms, spirals, and geometric symbols. Because the images were pecked into dark stone, they stand out clearly, and the sheer number of them gives a sense of how long this land has been a place of gathering and expression.
What a visit offers
- Trails through the volcanic landscape, including the Boca Negra Canyon and Rinconada Canyon areas, where many panels are concentrated.
- A chance to see rock art up close, with interpretive information to help you read the designs.
- Open high desert scenery, with views that reach across the Rio Grande valley toward the city.
The monument is a natural as well as a cultural place, so it suits people who enjoy an unhurried walk outdoors. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and plan for sun, since much of the terrain is exposed.
Around the monument
Albuquerque offers plenty to combine with a visit. The Old Town district, the city's historic core, is a short drive away and gives a view of the region's older architecture and crafts. For a fuller picture of the area's Native and Spanish history, the city's museums are worth considering on the same trip.
To check details before you go, you can call the monument at +1-505-899-0205.
