Rinconada Canyon in Petroglyph National Monument, NM

Hike Rinconada Canyon Petroglyph National Monument, NM

Class 1 2.2 miles Minimal gain <1 hr Loop Jan 12, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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A nice introduction to some of the petrogoglyphs from the Pueblo people, and later from Spanish travelers, Petroglyph National Monument rests right next to the sprawling suburbs of Albuquerque. An easy loop brings you along the base of a steep slope along a wide trail with the sole purpose of viewing petroglyphs. Some of the artwork is interesting, and gets much more dense the farther on the trail you go.

In addition to the Rinconada Canyon Trail, drive three miles north (passing the visitor center) and visit Boca Negra Canyon to get some nice views of Albuquerque while slightly elevated.

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The well-traveled, not-so-scenic trail to the petroglyphs.
The well-traveled, not-so-scenic trail to the petroglyphs.
A few little petroglyphs begin to appear about halfway down the trail.
A few little petroglyphs begin to appear about halfway down the trail.
Some are pretty neat, and there didn't seem to be any graffiti, which was nice.
Some are pretty neat, and there didn't seem to be any graffiti, which was nice.
The end of the trail before completing the loop was sort of the best spot to view some petroglyphs.
The end of the trail before completing the loop was sort of the best spot to view some petroglyphs.
They're pretty neat.
They're pretty neat.
Image 5 from gallery
Image 6 from gallery
Heading back to complete the loop.
Heading back to complete the loop.
The start of of the Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).
The start of of the Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).
Along the short Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).
Along the short Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).
The end of the Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument, overlooking Albuquerque (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).
The end of the Mesa Point Trail in Petroglyph National Monument, overlooking Albuquerque (located three miles north of Rinconada Canyon).

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!