Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque, NM
Thousands of images pecked into volcanic boulders on Albuquerque’s West Mesa. Boca Negra Canyon has short paved trails; Rinconada Canyon offers a longer sandy walk.
Petroglyph National Monument lies on Albuquerque's West Mesa in New Mexico, about a ten-minute drive from downtown. According to Lonely Planet, its 7,200 acres (about 29 square kilometers) hold as many as 20,000 images, mostly pecked into basalt boulders 400 to 700 years ago.
The monument is made up of several sections. Boca Negra Canyon has about 100 petroglyphs along an unevenly paved trail of roughly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). Rinconada Canyon is a 2.2-mile loop on an exposed sandy path with some 300 images, and Piedras Marcadas Canyon is an easy, sandy 1.9-mile trail with views of handprints on the rocks.
To reach the visitor center, take exit 154 (Unser Boulevard) off I-40, drive about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north and turn left onto Western Trail. There are no petroglyph trails at the visitor center; according to the NPS the trails lie 1 to 6.5 miles away, so you will need a vehicle. Check opening hours and fees for each section in advance.
- Nearest town
- Albuquerque, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.1612, -106.7163
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- High Desert RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- American RV ResortMotorhome stopover8 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Enchanted Trails RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentMotorhomesWi-Fi
- KOAMotorhome stopover14 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentMotorhomesElectricity
- Coronado State MonumentCampsite14 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Turquoise Trail CampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Petroglyph National MonumentTentsMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Petroglyph National Monument?
Petroglyph National Monument is in Albuquerque, NM, at GPS 35.1612, -106.7163. It is about 36 mi from Madrid.
Can you camp near Petroglyph National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Arbor RV Park, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Petroglyph National Monument?
Petroglyph National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Turquoise Trail: Albuquerque to Santa Fe via Sandia Crest.
What is there to see near Petroglyph National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Old Town Albuquerque (5 mi), Coronado Historic Site (15 mi), Sandia Crest (15 mi) and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Petroglyph National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)