Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is a nature reserve with over 20,000 rock carvings etched into black basalt stones along volcanic escarpments. The images spread across several canyons and depict humans, animals, and symbols created over centuries.

The rock carvings developed over several centuries, with Pueblo peoples creating the earliest images and Spanish settlers later adding their own marks. This layering of time shows how different groups shared and used the same sacred ground.

The rock carvings show how Pueblo peoples and Spanish settlers lived and what mattered to them spiritually in this high desert region. Walking past them, you notice symbols of hunting, family life, and ceremonies that still speak to visitors today.

The monument has several walking trails of different lengths through the various canyon areas that you can explore on your own. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best, as the sun angle makes the rock carvings easier to see.

The site includes five dormant volcanic cones from an ancient geological period that shape the landscape in surprising ways. These silent landforms create an unexpected contrast with the human images carved into the stone.

Location: Bernalillo County

Inception: 1990

Operator: National Park Service;City of Albuquerque

Website: https://nps.gov/petr

GPS coordinates: 35.13580,-106.76200

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:29