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New Mexico (NM)
Albuquerque
Things to Do in Albuquerque
Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque: Hours, Address, Petroglyph National Monument Reviews: 4.5/5

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Petroglyph National Monument

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Petroglyph National Monument
4.5
1,944
#21 of 218 things to do in Albuquerque
Historic Sites • National Parks • Geologic Formations
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8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
Up to 15,000 petroglyphs or prehistoric rock art images have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.
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Top ways to experience Petroglyph National Monument and nearby attractions

The area
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1.9 mi
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77 within 6 miles
Boca Negra Canyon
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,945 reviews
Excellent
973
Very good
725
Average
194
Poor
32
Terrible
21
MyersFamilyTravelers
95 contributions
Really cool experience
There is limited information at the guest center, but there are three different canyons you can visit. We chose Boca Negra Canyon. There is a $2 cost to enter (per vehicle) and right way you can start seeing the petroglyphs. We walked the area in about 30 minutes and saw many different petroglyphs. Definitely worth the time.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Louise Masin Sattler
Los Angeles, CA813 contributions
Fascinating and Educational
Couples
Very interesting! Be sure to stop at the visitors center first. And know that 4pm is the latest you can go as the park closes 4:30 in some areas and 5 in others. There are steps but one needs to be able to climb over rocks to see the ancient drawings. Sadly some people tried to mimicking or deface some of the area - this takes from the charm and intentions of the monument area. However, worth visiting to see the real “art conversations”.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Curtis S
Kingsport, TN2,564 contributions
Rough hiking conditions, but plenty of things to see
Petroglyph National Park, Boca Negra Trail: one of two trails that are quite close to the visitor center. Easily located on a map, you will need a couple small bills to cover the honor system entry fee. Prudent footwear is important here. The rocks are volcanic in nature and will f*** you up if you're not careful. We saw a couple folks in sandals which was not smart. The marked trail winds its way up about a hundred and fifty vertical feet. As you wind your way up the hill, you'll see a myriad of petroglyph symbols. Near the top there is a side trail that leads to the top plateau. While not particularly high, you do get a good view of the valley. Should take about 1 hour. Recommended
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colleen C
Troy, NY1,808 contributions
Easy walk to see history
This walk took about 2hrs round trip with stopping and looking at the Petroglyphs. I would recommend going early in the morning or later in the day so you don't get burned by the unforgiving sun and there is no places for shade.
I also would not recommend walkers or strollers due to some dips and drops that are lined with timbers on the right side closest to the rocks.

Overall the Petroglyphs are great to look at and the majority are in the middle of the trail on the back part of the cliffs. there also is markers to help you see and understand the drawings.

Free parking right at entrance and not closed due to covid.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,222 contributions
Large Collection of Petroglyphs
Couples
This is quite a large collection of petroglyphs. We found it surprising because of its proximity to a large populated area.

We were limited on time, so toured the Piedras Marcadas Canyon area due to it having the most petroglyphs within a single walk. It was well worth it as we saw hundreds of petroglyphs along our walk. It is so nice to see that they protected this area as there are housing developments right up to the boundaries of the park.
Written October 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacey L
Colorado Springs, CO19 contributions
Great Day Trip!
The area was beautiful and the petroglyphs were interesting. The website said 2 hours, but I would double that if you actually want to hike all 4 areas and we are not slow! We only got to 2 areas in the time we allocated based on the plan your trip on the website. Facilities easily accessible and parking is a breeze. The visitor center only allowed 2 in at a time and there was a long line, so we diid not go in. We would go back to see what we missed.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA458 contributions
An Archaeologists Dream
Perfect for Covid times. This site is an archaeologists dream as there are few places where you can see so many petroglyph's in such a place as you will see here.

Visitors drive to the visitor center (which is closed) to pick up a map that shows three places within the monument area where you can visit the petroglyphs. My wife and I picked up a map and then drove 10 minutes down a road to visit one of the sites. The site included three very small walking trails (all less than 500 meters) from which you could get up close to these amazing petroglyphs. Visiting is all free and it is only about 15 minutes from downtown by car. Do wear shoes and bring water.

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Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J S
Tucson, AZ174 contributions
Petroglyphs and volcanoes
We went overboard here and did four sites in one day. But it was a blast! It's a long drive to get to the volcanoes, and the loop around the volcanoes is several miles, so you can probably leave that one out unless you have a special affinity for tiny extinct volcanoes (the landscape isn't particularly interesting out there either). But I definitely recommend any or all of the petroglyph sites closer to the visitor center on the northeast side of the park - it's so interesting to see how much the petroglyphs vary at sites only a few miles apart!
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PhyllisFP
Baltimore, MD199 contributions
Rinconada Trail: A place to get away
We took the Rinconada Trail because the ranger said it would be less crowded (we were visiting during Fiesta week). It's a short drive from the ranger station. You don't really start to see many petroglyphs until about 3/4 of a mile in, but it's fun looking for them. I do wish I'd brought my binoculars.

We spoke to a park volunteer who said that this is her favorite trail because it's the only one that feels away from civilization (which aligns with my memory of a previous visit on a different trail where you could see houses). She said that tribal people still use the area for ceremonies and that the meanings of the petroglyphs are passed down through the elders and not shared with outsiders. I think it's kind of cool knowing that it's not just history.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica H
Florida257 contributions
Petroglyphs and a variety of hikes
Friends
3 trails on the west side of Albuquerque offer a variety of petroglyphs to examine and ponder. The visitor’s center offers guides to all 3 trails, which are all separate - you need to drive several miles to each different trail. Parking is offered at each (one charges a nominal fee, the other 2 are free). The trails vary in length, from less than a mile to approximately 2 miles. In general, these petroglyphs are accessible to most people of moderate physical ability.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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We recommend booking Petroglyph National Monument tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Petroglyph National Monument tours on Tripadvisor