News Release

March 31, 2020 Operations Update: Petroglyph National Monument Limits Services While Remaining Open

Date: March 31, 2020
Contact: Nancy Hendricks

Petroglyph National Monument (Monument) is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) to promote social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19.As of March 31, 2020, Petroglyph National Monument will offer limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection.

• The visitor center facility is closed until further notice. The Monument is canceling all educational programs and public presentations through the end of April. No permits will be issued for research or special events. No visitor information or services will be provided.

• Vault toilets at the Rinconada and Volcanoes Day Use Areas are no longer being serviced and are closed to use.  

Trails remain open to the public enabling visitors to enjoy outdoor activity and experience Petroglyph National Monument. We recommend visitors follow the State of New Mexico Department of Health's (NMDOH) Public Health Order for their health, safety, and welfare.The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels. Outdoor spaces at Petroglyph National Monument remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance. Trail options for visitors are Boca Negra Canyon (100 petroglyphs), Rinconada Canyon (300 petroglyphs), Piedras Marcadas Canyon (400 petroglyphs), and the Volcanoes Day Use Area (no petroglyphs). There are no trails located within the visitor center area.In order to protect the health and safety of yourself, other members of the public, and National Park Service staff, please recreate responsibly. We encourage visitors to follow the best practices provided in CDC and NMDOH guidance, and to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy. 

• Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene before and during your visit to the Monument.

• Maintain a 6-foot distance from others while hiking and limit group sizes to 5 individuals.

• Do not visit the Monument if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

• Take your trash with you when you leave.

• If an area is crowded, please search for a less crowded location. Also consider avoiding the Monument during high use periods.

• Use the restroom prior to visiting the Monument as there are no restroom facilities available at the Monument trailheads. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors. Please help us protect the Monument resources by obeying all federal laws and regulations while hiking in the monument which includes no off-trail hiking, no bicycle riding, no littering, keeping dogs on a maximum 6-foot leash, and picking up dog waste and placing it in a trash can. Rangers will be patrolling trails and will issue citations to all violators.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.