We originally planned a casual walk at Petroglyph National Monument, just looking to enjoy the New Mexico sunshine and stretch our legs. But as is often the case in our National Parks, the plan changed the moment we saw a sign for a ranger-led walk at the visitor center.
Having enjoyed all the ranger-led walks and hikes we’ve done in the past, we knew we had to seize the opportunity. They truly are invaluable! Rangers provide so much more detailed information than we would ever find on our own.
We met our ranger in the Rinconada Canyon parking lot around 10:00 am. We were lucky to be in a very small group—just us and one other lady—which made the experience feel incredibly personal.
Our ranger brought the ancient volcanic escarpment to life. He shared fascinating history about the park, the Indigenous people who lived in this area centuries ago, and the meaning and methods behind the spectacular rock drawings. He even used a handy laser pointer to highlight petroglyphs that were high up on the cliff face or tucked away between the basalt boulders. This was particularly helpful for distinguishing between carvings and natural rock features.
The contrast in time scales here is immense. The stunning, dark, jagged geology of the canyon shows the remnants of massive volcanic eruptions from 200,000 years ago. It’s this tough basalt rock that provides the perfect canvas for the lighter carvings.
The petroglyphs themselves are only 500–700 years old, made by Ancestral Pueblo people and early Spanish settlers. What an amazing experience to see these ancient drawings still visible so many years later. It serves as a powerful connection to the past, and it is such a shame that modern folks still choose to vandalize these priceless pieces of history.
Around the half to three-quarters mark of the loop, the ranger-led portion of the tour concluded, and we walked the rest of the way back to the parking lot on our own. It was a perfect way to end the guided tour, as it gave us time to walk in silence, taking in the vast landscape and trying to imagine what life must have been like here back then.
For an April afternoon, the sun was intense, and it was already feeling hot! The trail offers absolutely no shade—it’s exposed to the sun the whole way—and we were so glad to have worn our hats and packed a big bottle of water.
If You Go:
- Trail Info: Distance: 2.2 mile loop. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Petroglyphs: About 300 carvings visible
- Entry Fee: Free to visit!
- Must-Haves: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water are essential, especially during the warmer months!
- Pro-Tip: Bring binoculars or a monocular! Some of the most interesting petroglyphs are high up on the cliffs or just a bit too far to good enough, and they would have been helpful for a closer look.
- Ranger Programs: Always check the visitor center or the official National Park Service website for current schedules of ranger-led walks. They are always worth the time!
We’re grateful to the National Park Service for continuing to protect this sacred and significant site.
