Last updated: May 14, 2021
Thing to Do
Rinconada Canyon
NPS Photo/Daniel Leifheit
Rinconada Canyon Parking Lot Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 PM daily.
Rinconada Canyon offers an insight into the geologic, cultural, and natural resources of this region. From the parking lot a sandy path follows the northern escarpment, carrying you over sand dunes. As you walk into the canyon, the sounds and sights of the city fade away and may be replaced with the coo of a mourning dove or a collared lizard sunning itself on a basalt boulder. Here you see prehistoric and historic petroglyphs, rock wall alignments and shelters, and wildlife living in the vegetation growing throughout the canyon.
The geology of the area shows the remnants of volcanic eruptions of 200,000 years ago. The basalt from these flows capped the sandstone of the Santa Fe Formation. As the softer sandstone eroded away, the basalt broke off and tumbled down the hillside. This naturally occurring geologic action of weathering and erosion formed the volcanic escarpment as we see it today and is also where the Ancestral Pueblo People carved petroglyphs.
The Rinconada Canyon trail follows the northern escarpment, allowing the hiker views of a variety of petroglyphs. The trail is 1.1 miles long to the back of the canyon (2.2 miles roundtrip) and is moderately strenuous.
As with any hiking in the park, or the desert Southwest, carry plenty of water and drink often. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Watch out for rattlesnakes which inhabit the canyon.
DO NOT leave valuables visible inside your vehicle. Lock your vehicle and set alarm.
Rinconada Canyon offers an insight into the geologic, cultural, and natural resources of this region. From the parking lot a sandy path follows the northern escarpment, carrying you over sand dunes. As you walk into the canyon, the sounds and sights of the city fade away and may be replaced with the coo of a mourning dove or a collared lizard sunning itself on a basalt boulder. Here you see prehistoric and historic petroglyphs, rock wall alignments and shelters, and wildlife living in the vegetation growing throughout the canyon.
The geology of the area shows the remnants of volcanic eruptions of 200,000 years ago. The basalt from these flows capped the sandstone of the Santa Fe Formation. As the softer sandstone eroded away, the basalt broke off and tumbled down the hillside. This naturally occurring geologic action of weathering and erosion formed the volcanic escarpment as we see it today and is also where the Ancestral Pueblo People carved petroglyphs.
The Rinconada Canyon trail follows the northern escarpment, allowing the hiker views of a variety of petroglyphs. The trail is 1.1 miles long to the back of the canyon (2.2 miles roundtrip) and is moderately strenuous.
As with any hiking in the park, or the desert Southwest, carry plenty of water and drink often. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes or boots. Watch out for rattlesnakes which inhabit the canyon.
DO NOT leave valuables visible inside your vehicle. Lock your vehicle and set alarm.
Details
Duration
90-120 Minutes
The Rinconada Canyon trail follows the northern escarpment, allowing the hiker views of a variety of petroglyphs. The trail is 1.1 miles long to the back of the canyon (2.2 miles roundtrip) and is moderately strenuous. Hiking times average 1.5-2 hours.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The Rinconada Canyon trail follows the northern escarpment, allowing the hiker views of a variety of petroglyphs. The trail is 1.1 miles long to the back of the canyon (2.2 miles roundtrip) and is moderately strenuous.
No water.
No water.
Vault restroom facility.
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (4km)
Difficulty: easy to moderate
See up to 300 petroglyphs. Binoculars are recommended.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are not allowed on the petroglyph viewing section of this trail. Pets on a 6 ft. leash are restricted to the trail in the middle of the canyon. Owners must be in control of pets at all times. Owners must have bags to pick up and carry out pet waste. Do not leave pet waste bags alongside the trail. Place it in a trash can at the trailhead as you are leaving.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Rinconada Canyon
Located 1.3 miles south of the visitor center.
Directions:
Exit visitor center parking lot and turn right onto Unser Blvd.
Drive south 1 mile to St. Joseph Ave. and turn right into the parking lot.
Directions:
Exit visitor center parking lot and turn right onto Unser Blvd.
Drive south 1 mile to St. Joseph Ave. and turn right into the parking lot.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Rinconada Canyon Parking Lot Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 PM daily.
Accessibility Information
Not stroller nor wheelchair accessible.
Service animals are allowed.
Natural earth surface with 3 slight inclines.
Service animals are allowed.
Natural earth surface with 3 slight inclines.