By Staff Writer: Jamiliere Luranc Sweeney
Photo Credit: Jamiliere Luranc Sweeney
Petroglyph National Monument, located west of Albuquerque, is home to 5 volcano cones and more than 24,000 petroglyphs. This incredible monument offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural heritage and history of New Mexico. Among the four trails within the monument, the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail stands out for its high concentration of petroglyphs, making it a must-see.
The Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail is a 1.5 mile out-and-back hike that winds through a desert landscape studded with volcanic boulders, many of which display petroglyphs that date back 400 to 700 years. Between 300 to 500 petroglyphs can be viewed from this trail. These images share important information about those who created them and are sacred to many.
The trailhead is easy to reach by car and the path is fairly flat, however, there is no water or shade along the trail, so hike early in the day or in the evening to avoid the heat. Additionally, harsh lighting, like the afternoon sun, can make it difficult to see the petroglyphs.
For those interested in New Mexico’s history and culture, the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail offers a stunning and immersive look into the past.