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Petroglyphs on dark boulders with a cloudy sky.

Petroglyph National Monument

Since: 1990 Open: 8 AM to 5 PM daily Price: Free
campaign Caution: Be City Smart: Take precautions to secure your vehicle and valuables. · +2 expand_more

Be City Smart: Take precautions to secure your vehicle and valuables. — This is an urban park. Don't hide valuables inside your car. Carry items with you on hike. Lock your vehicle and set car alarm. Report suspicious persons loitering/peeking in cars. Call 928-638-7805

Attention Visitors, Cab drivers, Uber drivers, and transportation service drivers — DO NOT drop off your passengers at the visitor center. No trail access. Visitors must be driven to a trail system from the visitor center. If passengers want to go to the visitor center, WAIT FOR THEM in the parking lot until they come back out. Details ↗

Bicycle Use In The Monument — Bicycles are ONLY allowed at the following locations: 1 - On the Boca Negra Canyon paved multiuse path; bicycles must remain on the paved bike path. 2 - On the crusher fine trail that winds in and out of the park around the mesa top above Boca Negra.

park Source: US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Introduction

Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico features thousands of ancient rock carvings created by Native American and Spanish settlers. Visitors come to explore the cultural significance of these petroglyphs, which offer a glimpse into the region's history and the lives of its early inhabitants.

The monument spans over 7,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for hiking and photography. While the petroglyphs are the main attraction, the surrounding landscape also showcases the unique geology of the area, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in both history and nature.

In pictures

A petroglyph of a hawk on a dark boulder with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.
A petroglyph of a hawk on a dark boulder with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.

Things to know

Expect limited parking during peak hours, especially on weekends.
Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for hiking the trails.
Check for ranger-led programs that may require advance registration.
No food or drink is allowed on the trails to protect the site.

Good to know

Accessibility: some trails accessible
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM daily
Price: Free

Photo: NPS Photo / Daniel Leifheit