Planning a visit to Petroglyph National Monument New Mexico? Your journey to explore ancient rock art begins at the Visitor Information Center. This essential first stop provides you with everything you need to navigate and appreciate the park’s wonders. Friendly park volunteers are on hand at the information center patio to offer brochures and trail guides, ensuring you’re well-prepared to discover the petroglyph viewing trails. It’s important to note that these trails aren’t directly at the Visitor Center itself; a short drive is needed to reach the fascinating petroglyph sites.
Inside the Visitor Information Center, you’ll find the WNPA Park Store, open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to pick up souvenirs, educational materials, and more to enhance your park experience. Keep in mind that the Visitor Information Center observes closures on Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st.
Finding your way is easy. The physical address for the Visitor Information Center is 6510 Western Trail, Albuquerque, NM 87120. For GPS users, the coordinates are Lat: 35.139, Long: -106.711. Be aware that some map applications might lead you astray, so using these details will ensure you arrive at the correct location, just off Unser Blvd. NW at Western Trail.
Once you’re ready to explore the park trails, you’ll find they are open year-round. The primary petroglyph viewing areas – Boca Negra, Rinconada, and Piedras Marcadas Canyons – are a short drive from the visitor center, ranging from 1 to 6 miles depending on your chosen trail. Remember, the Volcanoes Day Use Area, while part of the park, does not feature petroglyphs. Trail-specific hours vary, so check the details below before heading out.
For Boca Negra Canyon, the hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, with last entry strictly enforced at 4:00 PM. Note that Boca Negra Canyon shares the same holiday closures as the Visitor Center, and pets are not permitted on these trails. For GPS, use Lat: 35.161, Long: -106.719.
Rinconada Canyon parking is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, but trail access extends from sunrise to sunset if you park outside the gate. There is no water available at Rinconada Canyon, but leashed pets are welcome. GPS coordinates are Lat: 35.127, Long: -106.725.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon offers sunrise to sunset access every day. Like Rinconada, it has no restrooms or water facilities. Leashed pets are allowed to join you on your exploration. The GPS coordinates are Lat: 35.1887, Long: -106.6856.
Finally, the Volcanoes Day Use Area parking is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with sunrise to sunset access available by parking outside the gate. This area has no water and no petroglyphs, but leashed pets are permitted. The GPS location is Lat: 35.1306, Long: -106.7803.
Enjoy your visit to Petroglyph National Monument and the rich history etched in stone!
