News Release

Petroglyph National Monument Reopens the Las Imágenes Visitor Information Center and Increases Recreational Access

Date: June 12, 2020
Contact: Nancy Hendricks

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and New Mexico public health authorities, Petroglyph National Monument has increased recreational services at the Las Imágenes Visitor Information Center. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

The Las Imágenes Visitor Information Center and the park store is now open to the public.

• The hours of operation will be 8:30 to 4:00 pm, seven days a week.

• The park store, operated by Western National Parks Association, will be limited to 25% occupancy (two visitors at one time). There will be a designated waiting area outside for those who wish to shop in the park store.

• The park will offer a staffed and/or self-serve visitor information table outside the Visitor Center to provide orientation information.

• All individuals shall wear a mask or multilayer face covering when at the Visitor Center area per the New Mexico Public Health Order dated June 1, 2020.

• Area vault toilets will be open for public use. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer as there will be no hand washing facilities available at any location in the Monument.

• Visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinking water as there is no potable water available at any monument facilities; water is available for purchase at the Visitor Center.

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   

• Day use facilities and trails at Boca Negra Canyon will be open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

• The day use facility and parking lot at Rinconada Canyon will be open daily from
  8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• The day use facility and parking lot at the Volcanoes Day Use area will be open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• The trail at Piedras Marcadas Canyon will be open from sunrise to sunset.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Petroglyph National Monument our operational approach will be to examine and monitor each facility function and service provided to ensure operations comply with current public health guidance. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow State of New Mexico Public Health Orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public and employee health.  

For more information about the monument in general, visit our website at www.nps.gov/petr. Please like us on Facebook where we have additional information and special programs, and on Instagram at #petroglyphnps.  

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.