News Release

National Park Service to Issue Partial Closure of Upper Mesa Point Trail and Mesa Top to Protect Resources

Volcanic rocks scattered across the mesa top after being removed from an archeological site.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 15, 2024

Contact: Nancy Hendricks, [phone]

Albuquerque, NM - Petroglyph National Monument is issuing a partial closure of the uppermost segment of the Mesa Point Trail and the mesa top area within Boca Negra Canyon.

Boca Negra Canyon has faced countless incidents of damage and vandalism to cultural resources the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque are mandated to protect. In recent years, 'cairns' - rock stacking - have become more prevalent in National Park sites. Building cairns and moving/removing rocks from their original location can damage archeological and cultural sites. Due to continued vandalism, the uppermost portion of the Mesa Point Trail, including the mesa top, will be closed to the public.

According to Petroglyph National Monument Superintendent Nancy Hendricks, "This is a special place that warrants our protection and care. The National Park Service, along with the City of Albuquerque Open Space staff, are committed to protecting all of the resources within the Monument. At Boca Negra Canyon, we are constantly seeing increased damage from visitors scratching, moving and stacking rock, and from off-trail use. These impacts cause long-term and even permanent damage to irreplaceable cultural sites. We are closing a portion of the Mesa Point Trail to protect this area. There will continue to be ample opportunities to walk on trails and enjoy the petroglyphs and views at Boca Negra Canyon. We appreciate the community and visitors supporting us to protect this special place."

What: Partial trail closure of the Mesa Point Trail.
Who: This will affect visitors hiking the Mesa Point Trail starting Monday, April 29, 2024 and thereafter.
When: This partial trail closure will go into effect on Monday, April 29, 2024. 
Where: Petroglyph National Monument, Boca Negra Canyon, Mesa Point Trail - uppermost segment and the mesa top area.

Please help us protect the resources of Petroglyph National Monument. Do not move or scratch rocks, stay on official trails, and use official trailhead access points.

More information about this closure can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.