Last updated: April 27, 2023
Thing to Do
Boca Negra Canyon
NPS Photo/Daniel Leifheit
If you only have one hour to visit the monument, Boca Negra Canyon is the place for you.
Located off of Unser Boulevard, ¼ mile north of Montaño. Combined walking time is approximately 1 hour. Although each trail is very short, they vary in difficulty as follows: Mesa Point - strenuous, Macaw - moderate, Cliff Base - moderate.
This unit of petroglyphs National Monument is owned, staffed, and managed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division.
Open 8:30 am - 4:30 Petroglyph daily. Last entry at 4:00 pm is strictly enforced.Open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm daily. Last entry at 4:00 pm is strictly enforced.
Located off of Unser Boulevard, ¼ mile north of Montaño. Combined walking time is approximately 1 hour. Although each trail is very short, they vary in difficulty as follows: Mesa Point - strenuous, Macaw - moderate, Cliff Base - moderate.
This unit of petroglyphs National Monument is owned, staffed, and managed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division.
Open 8:30 am - 4:30 Petroglyph daily. Last entry at 4:00 pm is strictly enforced.Open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm daily. Last entry at 4:00 pm is strictly enforced.
Details
Duration
5-60 Minutes
Mesa Point Trail: 30 minutes
Macaw Trail: 5 minutes
Cliff Base Trail: 15 minutes
Macaw Trail: 5 minutes
Cliff Base Trail: 15 minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Three short, uneven, moderate to difficult trails take you to see around 100 petroglyphs.
This trail is recommended if you:
This trail is recommended if you:
- Have less than 1 hour and/or arrive no later than 3:30pm.
- Good choice for young families or those with limited time.
- Need a restroom, water fountain, shade, and/or picnic areas.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on the trails. (Service animals are allowed.)
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Boca Negra Canyon
The Boca Negra Canyon section of Petroglyph National Monument. This site contains around 100 Native American petroglyphs. This unit of Petroglyph National Monument is owned, staffed, and managed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division.
Directions:
Exit visitor center parking lot and turn left onto Unser Blvd.
Drive 2 miles north.
Turn right onto Atrisco Blvd. and follow the brown signs to Boca Negra Canyon.
Directions:
Exit visitor center parking lot and turn left onto Unser Blvd.
Drive 2 miles north.
Turn right onto Atrisco Blvd. and follow the brown signs to Boca Negra Canyon.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm daily. Last entry at 4:00 pm is strictly enforced.
Accessibility Information
Boca Negra Canyon has partly paved paths but are not stroller or wheelchair accessible. An ADA view scope is available for viewing petroglyphs at the patio by the restrooms.