6001 Unser Boulevard, NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120
(505) 899-0205

More than 15,000 prehistoric and historic Native American and Hispanic petroglyphs (images carved in rock) stretch 17-miles along Albuquerque's West Mesa escarpment. Associated archeological sites provide important chapters in a 12,000 year- long story of human life in the Albuquerque area. Authorized June 27, 1990. Acreage: 1749, federal; 4,517, non-federal.

Operating Hours, Seasons:

Las Imagines Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Boca Negra Unit:

Winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time)

Summer: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time).

Climate, Recommended Clothing:

High desert, elevation: 5,000'+. Mild most of the year. Hot and dry summers, with periods of rain from July through September. Average high temperature; 93 degrees. Winter days can be cold. Hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat recommended. Carry water.

Directions:

Visitors traveling on I-40 take Unser Boulevard exit north three miles to park visitor center; five miles to Boca Negra Unit.

Transportation:

To Park: access by Interstate Highway (I-40), and various state roads. Albuquerque is serviced by an international airport, bus, and Amtrak stations. Public transportation to park is very limited. In Park: personal vehicle, tour buses, mostly walking trails.

Facilities And Opportunities:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The Las Imagines Visitor Center is an interim facility with information, temporary exhibits, and educational sales materials. An information booth is located at Boca Negra Canyon.

Trails, Roads:

Self-guiding trails at Boca Negra Canyon. Small parking lot at Rinconada. Primitive trails elsewhere. Road to Volcanoes area. Limited vehicle access.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled ranger-led walks during the summer months. Group and school tours by request throughout the year. Call 505-899-0205.

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in park. A variety of hotels, motels, and camping sites are available around the area.

Accessibility:

At the present time, only the Las Imagines Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

Nearby Places to Visit:

Coronado State Park, a partially excavated pueblo on the Rio Grande River is 20 miles north of the monument near Bernalillo. Old Town area of Albuquerque has historic structures, a history museum, and the Natural History Museum of New Mexico. Sandia Mountains, east of Albuquerque, have hiking trails, ski area, and tram ride. Other National Park Service areas within a two-hour drive include Bandelier National Monument to the north, Salinas Pueblo Missions to the south, and El Malpais National Monument and El Morro National Monument to the west. Acoma, the Sky City, is an hours drive west of Petroglyph.

Books & Maps