Rinconada Canyon Stop 10

The view from Stop 10 on the Rinconada Canyon Trail.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Audio Tour Stop #10: Vandalism to these irreplaceable resources 

(1.12 miles / 1.8 km - Back of canyon – bench) 

You are now at the back of the canyon, the half-way point of this trail. From this location you can see several images. This is the largest concentration of petroglyphs in this canyon. Before the audio tour continues, please take a moment to enjoy the natural soundscape of this area. You might hear canyon wrens or other birds, the low buzz of cicadas and crickets, or you might just enjoy the silence and tranquility here over the next 10 seconds.  

… 10 seconds 

After taking a moment to listen and look, you might be wondering: why is there so much post and cable on this trail? The answer is to protect visitors like you, the archaeological resources, and the animals that call this canyon home. In 2013, the westside of Albuquerque, including Rinconada Canyon, experienced a storm unlike anything else in over 100 years. This microburst dislodged boulders and washed away a large portion of the original trail. The National Park Service took this opportunity to re-align a trail that increased visitor safety and resource protection. It was also an opportunity to better protect the native plant and wildlife habitats of the canyon.  

Post and cable, signs, and messaging informs visitors stay on the official trail. Although Petroglyph does not have any backcountry or wilderness, it’s still easy to get lost, which can lead to injury, dehydration, and/or heatstroke or hypothermia. Going off-trail damages the natural resources and will lead to a citation.  

Thank you for staying on the trail. The audio tour continues along the return trail which leads back to the parking lot. No petroglyphs are visible from this nature walk but you might see a leopard lizard or a black-tailed jackrabbit.