There are over 20,000 known petroglyphs in this national monument established in 1990 by President George H.E. Bush. It is located west of downtown Albuquerque on I-40, well-marked.

There is a small visitor’s center with a short film. The Park Rangers will ask you if you want to do “a paved trail” or a “desert trail.” Most people select the paved trail. I can see someday an expanded center with a more comfortable theater.

Petroglyph’s National Monument is 17 miles long with several sections. Most people travel to the Boca Negra Canyon. The trails are paved and it is fairly easy. Don’t miss the short Macaw Trail with a unique picture of a Macaw bird.

If you are physically able, we recommend that you climb the paved Mesa Point Trail in Boca Negra to get a great view of Albuquerque. It takes about 15 minutes to climb up a number of steps. My wife who is afraid of heights, felt safe and sound here climbing up.

We also traveled to Rinconada Canyon. The trail is not paved and the petroglyphs are further away from the main road.

We did enjoy “Volcanoes.” You will need to get back on I-40 and travel west to Exit 149. You are literally walking along the prairie to several cylinder volcanic cones. We were in early October and the breezes were definitely cool at that time. The views from the Albuquerque Mesa are majestic.