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    Petroglyph National Monument

    4.2 (187 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Macaw trail (aka. Five minute trail)
    Emma L.

    It was amazing! The petroglyphs kind of looked like things in the modern world! The five minute trail took only two minutes though, and the fifteen minute one took like seven minutes. But other than that it was great!

    Doreen T.

    This spot is the visitor information center, featuring a short introductory video and a small gift shop. Here, you can get maps, park details, and directions to the three main petroglyph viewing areas: Boca Negra, Rinconada, and Piedras Marcadas Canyons. The friendly staff member gave us a map, and we decided to drive a few miles to Boca Negra Canyon, which is the closest site to the visitor center. The Boca Negra trail was short, easy, and took us less than an hour to complete. It was a great introduction to the petroglyphs and a nice way to start exploring the natural and cultural history of New Mexico.

    Michelle B.

    Do not come here expecting to hike trails or see petroglyphs!! If you get dropped off by ride share here you will have to order another unless you want to add a 2 mile walk to the start of the nearest trail at Boca Negra Canyon. This only has the visitor center / gift shop (may or may not be open during current gov shutdown!) and an informational movie. They do have free maps and information regarding hikes nearby that do contain petroglyphs. The shop was open when I went and the workers were very kind. I spotted my first roadrunner here.

    Jen K.

    We had an enjoyable afternoon experiencing two of the three canyon trails. It was helpful to stop at the Visitor Center first to receive a map, including the address for one of the parking lots, and use the restrooms. It is odd that the start of the Piedras Marcadas trail is basically a parking lot behind a gas station. Boca Negra is the shortest trail, but it also went up, up, up a rock formation. It was a clear trail, but you will do some mild bouldering. There were nice views towards Albuquerque at the top. Piedras Marcadas was a wide open dirt walking trail with several loops. Really neither would be great if you have physical limitations, since these aren't paved trails. You see a good number of petroglyphs on both trails, but are closer to them at Boca Negra. We skipped Rinconada Canyon since it is the longest trail and we ran out of time. You can bring pets, but they must remain on leash. Make sure to bring your own water and use the restrooms at the Visitor Center since there aren't facilities at the trail heads. We saw petroglyphs in some other parks and historic sites in New Mexico, but these were the largest collection and in the best condition.

    Matt C.

    Petroglyphs NM was a blast! I went in October for the solar eclipse, and really loved this area. It's a bit different than other parks in that the visitor center is removed from the actual drawings. So get some maps, info, and head back in your car for more! There are three locations to view the petroglyphs. I loved the winding sandy trails, but they can be very hot and barren. The drawings are easy to see along the paths, and some have unique designs! This is an excellent and free area to explore, close to ABQ, and definitely worth a stop!

    Linda O.

    What an experience! An easy walk and over 400 petroglyphs! Bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to scan and follow the audio...it's a wealth of information.

    Petroglyph National Monument
    John D.

    Rule of Draw Petroglyphs National Monument is an interesting park, as it's not all centrally located in one area but broken up into five disparate areas (including the Visitors Center) scattered around Albuquerque and the striving area. 1) Visitors Center is a must-stop to get some swag, your NPS Passport Stamp, and some good info from the friendly Rangers. 2) Piedras Mercadas Canyon is the most bang for your buck as far as Petroglyphs go, as you'll get over 400 in a 1.8-mile round-trip trail Please see the separate Yelp page for a more detailed review. 3) Boca Negra Canyon has fewer Petroglyphs (±100) but is a lot of fun for those who like to climb and live spectacular views. Please see the separate Yelp page for a more detailed review. 4) Rinconada Canyon has 300 petroglyphs on a short 2.2-mile hike. I didn't visit, so I can't really comment, but see the separate Yelp page for more information. 5) Volcanoes Day Use Area has zero petroglyphs, but some nice views and bikes friendly trail which loops around several volcanoes. I didn't visit, so I can't really comment, but see the separate Yelp page for more information. TLDR: Fantastic park with five totally unique experiences that take longer to drive to-and-from them than to actually take them all in.

    The sign so I would remember.
    Michael H.

    I was amazed at the changes and improvements in 30 years. I my family came here in the 80's on a family vacation. The walking trials are labeled and have hand rails as well as steps in many places. I was disappointed to see how the rocks were splitting and some of the petroglyphs were disappearing. In a few generations they will probably be gone for good. Great park and easy trails but not ADA so wear proper shoes and be ready for a little hike up to see some of them.

    Placard about Rinconda Canyon Trail - Petroglyph National Park
    Tina C.

    The hike starts at a different parking lot than the visitor center ( had to get back in the car and drive down the road). This is an easy hike but there is no shade along the way. Seeing the petroglyphs was very cool. We did not see 300 or so that was mentioned, so it would have been nice to have a bit more signage or a reference map for where to look. Got some great pics of the ones we could find though.

    Hand and ...lizard?
    Barbara P.

    We loved Petroglyph National Monument. We were leaving Albuquerque on Easter when not much was open, so we came here just to kill time, but we ended up really enjoying it. We stopped at the visitor center first and talked to a person there about what the best hike would be for us. She recommend one at the far Northeast (about a 6 mile drive away). After checking out the gift shop (really nice assortment of stuff at decent prices) and picking up some sunscreen there, we headed over. It was a beautiful sunny day in the 70s, so it wasn't hot at all, and the walk of mostly flat and not difficult at all, and maybe... 3 miles? But when they say "bring water" they mean it. We didn't bring water and I was dying of thirst by the time we got back. Remember that the very dry climate and the higher elevation make a difference. Bring water! So we took the trail and it was well marked. As you walk, you will see petroglyphs scattered throughout, but the trail has little markers at places where, if you stop and look right there, you will see a lot of petroglyphs. So it's very easy to find them. We really loved seeing the pictures of art, and also wondering what the significance was (because no one knows). Definitely worth the time!

    I was here in 1998 and again today. It's still as enjoyable hiking and seeing the petroglyphs as it was then. Did less hiking this time because of the heat.

    Who knows what
    Lindsay W.

    With over 700 petroglyphs on one mellow hike, I can't even say enough. Literally pictures can't even do it justice. We stopped at the visitor center first to learn about the different trails and check out the shops swag. The rangers were very helpful at gauging what level of hike we should do and best routes. Once we picked our destination, they gave us a map that has marker numbers and explained how to drive there and where to park for free. Our hike was about 3 miles but included lava, valley views, lizards and squirrels, and the trippiest rock petroglyphs I'd ever seen. Who knew!?!? I can only imagine the views when there were no houses but just volcanoes and more volcanoes.

    Erika Z.

    My husband wanted to come here and see this in person. Super cool to see all the drawings on the rocks. These carvings have been here over 1200 years. Super cool experience.

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    Great experience! Enjoyed the walk the view was nice! Be ready to climb though! The visitor center had info on all the trails

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    Ask the Community - Petroglyph National Monument

    How much to enter the park? Parking fees?

    It depends; some are free, and some are just a few dollars.

    How much does it cost?

    Petroglyph NM is free to enter at all three trails.

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    Review Highlights - Petroglyph National Monument

    3) Boca Negra Canyon has fewer Petroglyphs (±100) but is a lot of fun for those who like to climb and live spectacular views.

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    Spaceship UFO House

    Spaceship UFO House

    3.9
    (9 reviews)
    7.0 mi

    Simply stunning, just park on the road and wander around the outside. Unique, imaginative and…read morecool. The Spaceship Ufo House, is a distinctive landmark known for its futuristic design resembling a flying saucer. This privately owned residence stands out with its circular shape and unique decor that reflects a sci-fi theme. Constructed in the 1970s, it has become a popular point of interest for visitors intrigued by its unusual architecture. We need more of this and fortunately New Mexico can deliver.

    This is an odd and unique attraction. The house does resemble a spaceship or something futuristic…read more It is a peculiar site. It is a 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,686 square foot home that was built in 1984 It is an actual house that is currently being lived in, so you cannot go inside and should be respectable of the occupants. You can still get a decent view of the property from the sidewalk and you will find parking right in front of the house on the street. It was the home of artist Bart Prince, who designed it and the accompanying art and not only served as his residence, but his studio too. You will also find some eclectic sculptures scattered around the grounds. This neat little house was sold in 2022 and I have seen it posted as an Air B & B recently. That would be a cool place to stay in, but I am not sure ablout living here, with all of the attention and tourist coming through. This place is a Albuquerque landmark. The abstract metal sculptures that are out front and just behind the fence are as interesting as the house. You will even see a dinosaur. If you are a road tripper, this should definitely be on you to see list if you are in Albuquerque. Anyway, as with most attractions that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, such as the Big Red Arrow, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

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    Spaceship UFO House
    Spaceship UFO House
    Spaceship UFO House

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    Giant Red Arrow

    Giant Red Arrow

    4.1
    (31 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    The red arrow is in the parking lot across the road from Whole Foods. A great photo op while you…read morepick up your costume from Spirit Halloween. be nice if there was a little step so you could sit on the platform and hug the arrow. Another fun pop culture stop to mix in with your history and nature stops.

    You will find this gigantic red arrow, with its tip to the ground in a busy Whole Foods Parking…read morelot. It is an Albuquerque staple and a part of the city's culture. It could maybe use a fresh coat of paint, but it is still considerably in great shape since it has been there since 1961. Back then the shopping plaza was named Indiana Plaza. The arrow stands about 20 feet tall and looks like it was shoot into the stone base on which its sits. If the arrow does not already draw enough attention, it use to have neon lighting. However, it was too expensive to maintain so they scrapped it. Another interesting note is that in 1980, some of the plaza's tenants looked to add a few parking spots, which is premium in that location, by ripping out the arrow. The arrow was given landmark status though and it remains in it location today. There is an urban legend that the arrow ended up there by Lil' Beaver, the Indian sidekick of Red Ryder, the cowboy of TV, movie and comic strip fame, using a giant bow to shoot the arrow into an awaiting patch of soft concrete. I love the story and the hype, but I seriously doubt that it is true. I was able to pull into that same parking lot, park, get out and take a closer look. It was very easy. Anyway, as with most attractions that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions in the area, such as the space ship house or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

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    Giant Red Arrow
    Giant Red Arrow
    Giant Red Arrow

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    Petroglyph National Monument - landmarks - Updated June 2026

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