Places To Go

Information Center at Petroglyph National Monument where visitors can get information as to how to visit the petroglyph viewing trails which are located 1 to 6 miles from the information center. You must drive to a trail from the information center. No trails available at information center.

NPS/PETR

The Information Center is open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and the Park Store is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Petroglyph is not like other National Park sites where visitors begin their adventure on trails that start and end at the visitor center. Petroglyph does not have any trails within the area of the visitor center. Petroglyph's visitor center is really an Information Center where you can expect to get a park brochure and trail maps. So, if you decide to go to the Information Center be prepared to get back in your car and drive to a trail system in order to see petroglyphs.

There are NO petroglyph viewing trails, there is not a museum, and there are no exhibits at the information center. If you are getting a ride to the monument by UBER/Lyft or a Taxi, DO NOT let the driver drop you off at the information center. You must have your driver take you to a trail head. Or, go directly to one of the four (4) trail heads listed below and under Things to Do.

The information center contains a Western National Park Association (WNPA) Park Store and a self-serve information table stocked with brochures and trail guides on the patio. Visitors are encouraged to help themselves to the brochures then drive to a petroglyph viewing trail of their choice.

Petroglyph does not sell The America the Beautiful Passes. However, the Access Pass, the Military Pass and the Every Kid Outdoors Passes are issued free of charge.

Located off Unser Blvd. NW at the Western Trail intersection, approximately 3 miles north of I-40. Or use GPS Lat: 35.139 Long: -106.711

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Also closed during severe weather conditions. The visitor center typically closes at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

 

Park 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 AM to 5:00 PM. 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 am to 5:00 pm 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.