When we think of hiking, we often focus on escaping into nature. Although many of these paths offer panoramic views, they are primarily fascinating because they lead to petroglyphs. Walk back in time and study rock art, to discover how people from the past viewed our world through these ancient petroglyphs in New Mexico.

1. Rinconada Canyon, Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Flickr/Alan
Petroglyph National Monument contains one of biggest petroglyph collections in North America. It is divided into sections and Rinconada Canyon is a rewarding hike because it allows you to see 300 pieces of rock art along a 2.2-mile trail. In terms of difficulty, this is an easy to moderate walk. The trailhead is at Unser Boulevard NW and St. Joseph Avenue in Albuquerque.
2. Piedras Marcadas Canyon, Petroglyph National Monument
Flickr/City of Albuquerque Open Space
Flickr/Jerry Briix
This is one of the few petroglyph hikes were leashed pets are permitted. You - and Fido - can admire 400 petroglyphs along this easy to moderate 1.5 mile hike (round trip). The trailhead is located off Golf Course Road at Jill Patricia Street, in Albuquerque.
3. Boca Negra, Petroglyph National Monument
Flickr/Susan Smith
Flickr/Lisa Jacobs
There are three short trails in this section of the monument. Your best bet is to do them all but, if you just pick one, make it the Mesa Point Trail. Scramble up a switchback route, to the top of a petroglyph-packed hill. Admire the rock art along the way and the views from the top. This trail can get pretty busy at times, so it’s not the ideal destination if you’re seeking solitude. Address: 6001 Unser Boulevard NW, Albuquerque.

You can learn more about these first three hikes by visiting the Petroglyph National Monument webpage.
4. Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Tularosa
Yelp/Rex S.
Flickr/Robert Shea
There are 21,000 petroglyphs scattered throughout this valley and no, that’s not a typo! The site contains two short trails (totaling about a mile combined) that lead to an incredibly diverse array of rock art created by the Jornada Mogollon. These petroglyphs are located at 455 Three Rivers Road in Tularosa. Find out more about the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.
5. Una Vida, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi
Flickr/Jerry Briix

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The ruins at Una Vida are some of the oldest at Chaco and viewing them involves a roughly one-mile, round trip hike. Once at your destination, clamber a little further to see a petroglyph panel. The trailhead is located close to the visitor center.
6. Petroglyph Trail, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Nageezi
Flickr/Jasperdo
Flickr/Jasperdo
Most people who visit Chaco, explore both Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl. A 0.25-mile long Petroglyph Trail connects the two places and, although that doesn’t involve much exertion, you’ll get plenty of exercise at both locations. For directions to Chaco.
7. Main Loop Trail, Bandelier National Monument, near White Rock
Flickr/Dennis Crabtree
Tripadvisor/OziDiver
This 1.2-mile trail is a must if you’re going to Bandelier because it hits the highlights of the monument. It also takes you to the Long House, which has hundreds of petroglyphs. For more info.
8. Tsankawi, Bandelier National Monument, near White Rock
Flickr/Robyn Gallant
Flickr/James Lavin
Tsankawi is separate from the main part of Bandelier but it’s worth the effort to find it. Hike 1.5-miles round trip and discover petroglyphs, along with kivas, and the remains of a village. Be prepared to climb ladders on this trail. For more directions.
9. La Cieneguilla, Santa Fe
Flickr/Jon Lewis
Flickr/Images by Lane
Few know that there’s a petroglyph hike near the Santa Fe Airport. While the trail starts off gently, reaching the rock art requires a climb up a fairly steep slope. The petroglyph – and mountain – views from the top make this worthwhile. This hike is roughly 1.3 miles each way, but you arrive at the first petroglyphs before that so you can shorten the journey if necessary. The trailhead is on Airport Road in Santa Fe – keep going until you think you’ve missed it, then drive a little more!

Many of these hikes lack shade, so bring a hat and water, and slather on that sunscreen. Petroglyph trails tend to be rocky and may involve a little climbing, so wear decent hiking shoes. For good measure, bring a pair of binoculars so you can get a good look at the less accessible rock art. (It shouldn’t have to be said, but please do not deface the artwork.)

Which petroglyph trail do you want to explore most?

You may also be interested in these New Mexico hikes that lead to ancient ruins or in Inscription Rock – a spot that travelers have graffitied for centuries!

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Ancient Petroglyphs In New Mexico

Leah | January 01, 2021

What are the oldest ruins in New Mexico?

There are many historic sites in New Mexico that have been around for an exceptionally long time. Some of the oldest places you can visit are ancient ruins. The Aztec Ruins are some of the oldest, dating back 900 years. You can walk through them yourself at the Aztec Ruins National Monument. And no, they have no actual link to the Aztecs, they were built by the Ancestral Puebloan people. If you're visiting the Chaco Culture National Historic Park for the petroglyphs, be sure to check out the ancient ruins, too. They date back to the 1100s and are fascinating to visit.

Can I hike to historical sites in New Mexico?

There are more historic hiking trails in New Mexico that are perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike. There is a short 1-mile hike to the beautiful Gila Cliff Dwellings worth taking. The structures were built into the side of a cliff by the Mogollon people back in the 1200s. They are very well-preserved today, making them the perfect historic site to explore. You can explore more recent history on a trail near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Nestled in the mountains is a historic, abandoned railroad trestle. It's a favorite of photographers and the story behind it is interesting, too. The trail is about 1.2 miles long.

What are the most unique hikes in New Mexico?

If you enjoy hiking unique trails like these, here are a few other one-of-a-kind journeys you can take in New Mexico. The El Malpais National Monument has a cave hike unlike any other. You'll need a cave permit (it's free) before you go, and you'll be off to explore a lava tube cave. Some of the lava flows here were created as recently as 3000 years ago. If you're hiking in the fall, check out the Aspen Vista Trail in the Santa Fe National Forest. The view of the bright golden aspens is unlike any other. Keep in mind, however, that the total hike is 11 miles long.

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Featured Addresses
Petroglyph National Monument, Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, 455 3 Rivers Rd, Tularosa, NM 88352, USA
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA
Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico, USA
662-, 674 Paseo Real, Santa Fe, NM 87507, USA