A human form and symbols carved in Boca Negra Canyon in Petroglyph National Monument. Boca Negra has over 100 images inscribed on basalt boulders in Albuquerque’s West Mesa. The images are made in Rio Grande Style and thought to date from the 13th Century.

Petroglyph National Monument, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a significant cultural and natural site preserving one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in North America. Spanning approximately 17 miles along Albuquerque’s volcanic escarpment, the monument encompasses over 7,000 petroglyphs, created by ancestral Pueblo peoples and early Spanish settlers. These images, etched into basalt rock surfaces, include symbols, animals, human figures, and geometric designs, many of which hold spiritual or cultural significance.

Established in 1990, the monument covers more than 7,200 acres and includes four major areas: Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, and the Volcanoes Day Use Area. Each area offers unique opportunities for visitors to explore the region’s rich history and volcanic landscape.

Boca Negra Canyon in Petroglyph National Monument. Boca Negra has over 100 images inscribed on basalt boulders in Albuquerque’s West Mesa. The images are made in Rio Grande Style and thought to date from the 13th Century.

Petroglyph National Monument serves as an important educational and cultural resource, highlighting the deep connections between people and the land over centuries. It also protects the area’s diverse ecosystem, including desert plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours, gaining insight into the monument’s archaeological, geological, and cultural significance. A joint effort by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque ensures the preservation of this unique site for future generations.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon in Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque’s West Mesa. The images are made in Rio Grande Style and thought to date from the 13th Century.

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Petroglyph National Monument