Parks & Monuments, Albuquerque

12 Reviews

 
by leafmcgowan
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by leafmcgowan
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by leafmcgowan
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by leafmcgowan
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by Ken_Weaver
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by Ken_Weaver
  • Entrance to Monument
      Entrance to Monument
    by Ken_Weaver
  • Petraglyph National Monument Ranger Station
      Petraglyph National Monument Ranger...
    by Ken_Weaver
  • Riconada Canyon
      Riconada Canyon
    by Ken_Weaver
  •   Parks & Monuments
    by Ken_Weaver
  • leafmcgowan's Profile Photo

    Petroglyph National Monument

    by leafmcgowan Written Dec 7, 2008 608 reviews

    2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    2 more images

    Petroglyph National Monument is a several area park nestled up to the Albuerqueque's resident volcanoes that protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including the volcanos, archeological sites and an estimated 20,000 carved images on the volcanic basalt rocks that litter the canyons, valleys, and hills. Most of these petroglyphs are pecked and are recognizable animals, people, brands and crosses; with others being more complex symbology. These images are inseparable from the cultural landscape, the spirits of the people who created, and who appreciate them. Start your tour at the small quaint visitor center, with a small kiosk explaining the park and the art, artifacts, and peoples who lived here ... grab maps for your hike and explorations ... and grab a gift or two for memories of your visit. On occasion, fresh kiva-baked bread is sold outside by the ovens from local tribes. We bought a loaf during our visit and it was phenomenally delicious. We went to the southern trails, at Rinconada Canyon for a 2 1/2 mile loop trail hike with over 400 rock art images in the area. Unfortunately, there was a lot of vandalism from locals varying from gunshot damage, litter of broken bottles, and graffitti people placed over the petroglyphs. Many of the American Indian petroglyph images were etched 300 to 700 years ago. The Spanish petroglyph images were etched 200 to 300 years ago by the 'hammer and chisel' methodology of pecking. The variety of petroglyphs was fabulous, but the condition was not. This park certainly needs more attention and monitoring. Rating 3 stars out of 5. Visited 11/30/08.

    Related to:
    • Archeology
    • Historical Travel
    • Arts and Culture
    Was this review helpful?
  • dmac733's Profile Photo

    Great hike for a great view of the city

    by dmac733 Written Apr 10, 2008 43 reviews

    3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    On the horizon of the West Mesa stand the remnants of five cinder cone volcanoes. Formed over 100,000 years ago, the volcanoes were the dynamic finale to a series of fissure eruptions that coated the surrounding landscape in a basalt caprock.

    To access the volcanoes exit I-40 at Paseo del Vulcan (exit 149) and travel north 4.8 miles to park access.

    Related to:
    • Hiking and Walking
    Was this review helpful?
  • Ken_Weaver's Profile Photo

    Ranger Station

    by Ken_Weaver Written Jun 28, 2005 392 reviews
    Petraglyph National Monument Ranger Station

    The park has a beautiful ranger station with lots of guidebooks, maps, and interesting information about the National Monument. The day that I was there, two local Native Americans were making drums from logs right on the property.

    Was this review helpful?
  • Ken_Weaver's Profile Photo

    Petraglyphs National Monument

    by Ken_Weaver Written Jun 28, 2005 392 reviews
    Entrance to Monument

    This area is covered with inscriptions on the rocks first placed by the indigeous people of the area and later by the Spanish settlers who followed the custom. The Spanish inscriptions are easier to recognize because they typically used crosses.

    Related to:
    • Family Travel
    Was this review helpful?
  • MountainLaurel's Profile Photo

    Moonlight Becomes You

    by MountainLaurel Written Jun 3, 2005 17 reviews

    2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    ...unless you're chicken! Another travel tip for the daring: if you're in Albuquerque, and it's a full moon or close to it, and it's a clear night, why not take a moonlit hike? The air is so clear here that when the moon has risen high enough--that is, after 10 pm or so--you can see well enough to hike. Just don't get to close to the edge of the cliff, and if you hear something rattle, jump back. If you're a little leery, try hiking the 1 mile trail around the volcanoes. The ground is fairly even and the only vegetation is grass--no trees. My favorite trail to hike at night is the Sandia Crest Trail, which goes along the top of the Sandia Mountains. A little more dangerous but worth it--you can look down on the city lights or lose yourself (figuratively) in the woods. If you lose yourself, literally, go uphill--you'll get back to the crest eventually.

    Pictures to follow, next full moon...

    Related to:
    • Adventure Travel
    • Hiking and Walking
    Was this review helpful?
  • JamesABQ's Profile Photo

    Rio Grande River

    by JamesABQ Written Aug 10, 2004 59 reviews

    2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    Rio Grande River

    There are many hiking trails along the bosque of the Rio Grande river. The river winds its way through the city with a lush cottonwood forest following it. You don't have to leave the city to get completely away from the city. Unfortunately, due to drought the river is really drying up.

    Related to:
    • Hiking and Walking
    • Fishing
    • Rafting
    Was this review helpful?
  • Everything Is Large!

    by lemon4juice Updated Dec 28, 2003 79 reviews

    2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    Me and Dino!

    Rio Rancho Botanical Garden. I've come to visit this place and beside it, there's a huge park for kids wherein, everything is big! Big plants, flowers and even insects. You must come and see for yourself!

    Was this review helpful?
  • The Petroglyph National...

    by DrJekyll Written Sep 8, 2002 3 reviews

    2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    The Petroglyph National Monument looks like it's right in the middle of the city, but as soon as you get on the Rinconada Canyon trail you forget all about urban life. Take exit 154 north off of I-40 and drive to the Visitor Center first. Then drive a bit south and park for Rinconada Canyon. You won't believe how many petroglyphs you stumble across. Lots of redtail hawks too!

    Was this review helpful?
  • Ken_Weaver's Profile Photo

    The Huge New Mexico Sky

    by Ken_Weaver Updated Jun 28, 2005 392 reviews

    1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    I never could figure out why the sky was so huge in New Mexico. Every where I went I would look up in awe of the vastness of the sky over the desert.

    Was this review helpful?
  • Ken_Weaver's Profile Photo

    Me Trying Not to Hurt Myself!

    by Ken_Weaver Written Jun 28, 2005 392 reviews

    1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

    It was about 100 F the morning that I began my hike. I was imagining falling and breaking a leg and then dying of thirst stranded in the hot sun!

    Was this review helpful?

Comments

Top 3 Hotels in Albuquerque

La Posada de Albuquerque  Albuquerque

 5 Reviews and 452 Opinions  For a hotel that is rather expensive, the customer service was horrible. No coffee in the rooms;... 

 Hotels in Albuquerque

Show Prices

Sandia Peak Inn Motel Albuquerque  Albuquerque

 2 Reviews and 392 Opinions  Very nice and welcoming people ... clean room ... good breakfast ... nice pool ... and very... 

 Hotels in Albuquerque

Show Prices

Monterey Non Smokers Motel  Albuquerque

 1 Review and 227 Opinions  Small mom-and-pop motel exclusively for non-smokers. Run by a Polish immigrant couple, the place is... 

 Hotels in Albuquerque

Show Prices