Petroglyphs NM, Albuquerque’s Ancient Canvas

New Mexico

June 2021

Exploring Albuquerque’s Ancient Canvas

We were on our way early to visit the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, NM. This monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, preserving designs chipped into the dark “desert varnish” of volcanic rocks by Ancestral Puebloans and early Spanish settlers between 1300 and 1680 AD.

The Stones and Carvings of Rinconada Canyon

After our stop at the visitor center to pick up our maps and information, we hiked three separate trails, starting with the Rinconada Canyon Trail. This 2.2-mile sandy trail looped along a canyon floor, allowing us to see hundreds of petroglyphs scattered on the volcanic rock. We saw ancient spirits and animals, geometric symbols, and historical graffiti from before the park was protected. The Puebloans made symbols of animals and spirits, the Spanish settlers carved Christian crosses and personal cattle brands, and later European settlers carved names and dates into the stone.

Because Albuquerque expanded rapidly across the West Mesa before the area was officially designated a National Monument in 1990, houses were built right against the park boundary lines. Looking at ancient rock art on one side and residential rooftops on the other created a sharp contrast between sacred heritage and modern urban growth.