Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is a unique cultural and natural site that protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. The monument features designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers. The monument stretches 17 miles along Albuquerque's West Mesa, a volcanic basalt escarpment that dominates the city's western horizon. It protects a variety of cultural and natural resources, including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites, and an estimated 24,000 petroglyph images. Visitors can access four major sites, including Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcano Day Use trails, which offer opportunities for recreation and education