Gaze in wonder at the fantastic rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument.
Stretching 17 miles (27 km) through the metro area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Petroglyph National Monument features hundreds of archaeological sites and an estimated 24,000 images carved by Ancestral Puebloan peoples and early Spanish settlers (including, unfortunately, some graffiti).
The park is divided into four units, three of which have petroglyphs. Petroglyphs were carved into dark volcanic rock, some as far back as 3,000 years ago. Although, 90% of the petroglyphs were carved between 1300 and the end of the 1600s, around the time of Spanish contact.
My first visit to the park was a quick one hour walk. However, during my second visit I explored two of the four area, Boca Negra Canyon and Piedras Marcadas Canyon. There was just so many petroglyphs everywhere. Kind of awesome.
First stop of Boca Negra Canyon. This hill has a ton of petroglyphs on it.
Barely on the trail, and already seeing them.
Dog, perhaps?
Definitely a bird.
This was carved by a Spaniard.
Boca Negra Canyon has a couple shorter trails, as well. The Macaw Trail leads to a fantastic petroglyph of a macaw.
Another trail leads to some of my favorites.
This one features a “star person” and a few other people.
People and animals are common petroglyphs.
Next, I headed to Piedras Marcadas Canyon, which has an extensive array of petroglyphs. The sun came out, so it was a little harder spotting them.
Couple of birds.
A ton of petroglyphs just in this tiny area.
Lizard.
Really cool bird.
Upside down man.
Interesting bird. Are those plumes or horns?
Dancing figure.
So many petroglyphs, so little time.
Petroglyph National Monument is a fantastic outdoor Native American religious art museum. These images hold a deep significance to the local tribes, then and now. These images give us a glimpse into the thoughts of peoples of the past.
Check out my next update where I explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
