When fall settles across the high desert of New Mexico, there’s no better place to be than northern New Mexico, where you’ll find stunning attractions like Petroglyph National Monument. Just outside downtown Albuquerque, this expansive landscape tells an ancient story carved in volcanic stone. With more than 24,000 petroglyphs etched into boulders across the monument’s rugged terrain, it’s one of the largest collections of Native American and early Spanish carvings in North America.
If you’ve ever wondered what is a petroglyph, you’ll quickly learn it’s more than a rock drawing; it’s a cultural footprint left behind by Pueblo ancestors and early settlers. Whether you’re into archaeology, hiking, or just want to see something real and awe-inspiring, the Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque is a must. It’s one of our favorite day trips from Albuquerque, and can be combined with other nearby towns and attractions.
Fall is an ideal time to visit these remarkable petroglyphs in New Mexico. The cooler temps make it easier to tackle the different Petroglyph National Monument trails, from Boca Negra Canyon to the more remote and peaceful Rinconada Canyon. No matter where you go, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the land, the people who lived here, and the enduring beauty of petroglyphs near Albuquerque. Of course, this is just the start of unique things to do in Albuquerque, NM.
If you’re planning a long weekend, Albuquerque has a lot more to offer adults who want something unique, including small-batch spirits and craft cocktails at speakeasy-style bars, gallery hopping through the Sawmill District, and dinner at one of the city’s James Beard–recognized restaurants. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, tour local roasters for the perfect cup of New Mexico coffee, or spend time browsing artisan shops in Old Town.
When it’s time to rest, the Bottger Mansion of Old Town is the perfect place to stay. This historic B&B is steps from Albuquerque’s oldest plaza, yet it feels like a quiet retreat with modern comforts, fresh breakfasts, and welcoming hospitality. It’s a short drive from the Albuquerque petroglyphs, and the perfect home base for discovering everything northern New Mexico has to offer. Book your stay at our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast today!
What to Know About Petroglyph National Monument
If you’re looking for something unforgettable to add to your New Mexico getaway, Petroglyph National Monument is it. Stretching along the west mesa of Albuquerque, this protected space preserves a rich concentration of volcanic rock carvings that date back hundreds, even thousands, of years. The site was officially established in 1990, but the petroglyphs in New Mexico go back far longer. Ancestral Puebloans carved some of these New Mexico petroglyphs between 1300 and 1680, while others were made by Spanish settlers and early ranchers.
The markings you’ll find at Petroglyph National Monument, which include spirals, animals, faces, and symbols, are more than decorative. They hold meaning, recording stories, ceremonies, and everyday experiences for our ancestral communities. Today, this sacred land is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque, creating a unique balance of preservation and accessibility.
Getting to Petroglyph National Monument is easy from our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast. You’ll find the Petroglyph National Monument trails are a quick 15- to 20-minute drive northwest of the city. As you hit the trails, know you’re walking through a volcanic landscape shaped by geologic forces more than 200,000 years ago. Add in Albuquerque’s blue skies, the scent of desert sage, and views that stretch to the Sandia Mountains, and the experience becomes both grounding and awe-inspiring.
Regardless of what you do while there, Petroglyph National Monument offers something that’s hard to find in most city-adjacent parks. It feels both wild and personal at the same time, and it’s one of the most remarkable things to do near Albuquerque.
Things to Do at Petroglyph National Monument
- Visit the Petroglyph National Monument Visitor Center to get trail maps, current conditions, and cultural context for your upcoming experience. While there aren’t any petroglyphs on-site, the staff can point you to the best trails based on your interest and fitness level.
- Hike the Boca Negra Canyon Trails, which is the most developed and accessible area of Petroglyph National Monument. There are three short trails here, including Mesa Point, Macaw, and Cliff Base, all of which offer close-up views of over petroglyphs. Expect to spend about an hour here.
- For a quieter and more rugged experience, head to Rinconada Canyon. Here, you’ll find a moderate 2-mile hike that leads to more than 300 visible petroglyphs.
- Walk the Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail, located on the north side of the Petroglyph National Monument. Take the Petroglyph Viewing Trail, a flat, sandy trail that stretches about 1.8 miles round-trip and offers some of the densest collections of Albuquerque petroglyphs.
- If you’re looking for more unique hiking opportunities on the Petroglyph National Monument trails, head to the Volcanoes Day Use area, with access to the Three Sisters volcanoes. There are no petroglyphs here, but the landscape is beautiful and worth exploring.
- Watch the Sunset From the Mesa. There’s something magical about golden hour at the monument. As the sun dips low, the volcanic rock glows warm, and the petroglyphs stand out in sharp relief. Bring a light jacket, a camera, and maybe a journal, and just take it in.
- As you make your way around the Petroglyph National Monument, enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for roadrunners, hawks, and jackrabbits as you hike. The monument’s location along the Rio Grande Valley flyway also makes it a low-key birding destination.
- Reflect in silence. Even if you’re not a hiker or history buff, Petroglyph National Monument offers a rare sense of stillness. Stand in front of a 500-year-old carving and realize you’re looking at something someone else thought was important enough to mark in stone. That alone is worth the visit.
You could easily spend an entire day at the Petroglyph National Monument, but there are also nearby cultural sites worth exploring. We recommend visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or Casa San Ysidro to help round out your understanding of the region’s history.
Stay at the Best Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast
After a day of hiking dusty trails and tracing ancient lines across volcanic stone, there’s something special about coming back to a place that feels like home. Petroglyph National Monument offers a sense of timelessness, and our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast carries that into the evening with a quieter kind of beauty. This historic bed and breakfast is tucked into Albuquerque’s most charming district, just a short drive from the petroglyphs, yet somehow still a world away.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by warm hospitality, thoughtful details, and the kind of comfort that makes it easy to slow down, even when you’re in the heart of Albuquerque’s vibrant Old Town. Sip something local on the garden patio, flip through a book in the sunroom, or just kick off your shoes and relax before heading out for dinner. When you stay at our Albuquerque Bed and Breakfast, you are effortlessly connected to the rest of the city.
You’re right in the heart of Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to art galleries, cafes, and wine bars perfect for unwinding after a day at the Albuquerque petroglyphs. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or want to join a ghost tour and lean into Albuquerque’s quirky side, you’re in the right place. You don’t need to fight traffic or rush to make a reservation; you can just walk out the front door and explore.
Our B&B’s relaxed vibe makes it easy to ease into your evening, and the personalized recommendations from your hosts mean you’ll never feel like you’re stuck with tourist traps. Wherever your itinerary takes you, you’ll appreciate having our Bed and Breakfast as your home away from home. Book your trip to Albuquerque today!
