A petroglyph is an image carved or etched into rock. The petroglyph is among the earliest known forms of art and
record-keeping, and prehistoric petroglyphs exist around the globe, some dating back as far as 10,000 years.
The Petroglyph National Monument is a favorite site seeing destination for all who come to Albuquerque. The Petroglyphs are in many visitor guides and referenced in many travel sites as a main attraction that should be in your top ten things to do list. This historic place consists of 20,000 or more images of ancient history. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex.
The national monument, to which entry is free, is well signed from both nearby interstate highways (I-15 and I-40), and reached by wide city streets through residential districts. First stop should be at the visitor center, situated at the foot of the mesa along Western Trail NW, from where the most interesting site (Rinconada Canyon, which has the longest trail) is one mile south, while the other two are a few miles further north. Off-trail hiking is possible though not encouraged, and the mesa edge stretches for over ten miles within the monument so there is plenty of scope for discovering new petroglyphs, away from the popular areas. The Volcanoes section in the west is 5 miles north of I-40 exit 149; a short, recently paved spur road leads to the trailhead for a 3 mile loop path around three cones (JA Volcano, Black Volcano and Vulcan Volcano), where such features as spatter magma, cinders and ash can be seen. The most developed part of Petroglyph National Monument is Boca Negra Canyon at the north end of Unser Boulevard, where facilities include drinking water, restrooms and shaded picnic areas. A loop road passes the trailheads for three short, paved walks to petroglyph sites, visiting about 150 drawings
Petroglyph National Monument is located on the North West side of Albuquerque, New Mexico. To get to the visitor center you should take I40 east or west depending on the direction you are traveling. Leave the interstate at Exit 154 traveling north on Unser Blvd. Approximately 3.5 miles north you will find the visitor center at the junction of Unser and Western Trail.
