Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead — Attraction in Rio Rancho

The Piedras Marcadas Canyon is one of three primary visitor sites at the Petroglyph National Monument. This is the most northern trail with viewing of up to 400 images. The main trail is a very easy and flat 1.9 miles. We looped back on the North Rim trail on the way back for a total of about 2.5 miles. Note that the North Rim trail requires a short climb. The trails are very well marked and easy to follow.

We were not disappointed in the viewing opportunities from this trail as many of the Petroglyphs can be seen from the trail. Although there were some similarities to the petroglyphs we had previously seen at Three Rivers Petroglyphs, these were quite different. It is stunning to see communications left from peoples anywhere from a couple of hundred years to others of which have been dated to almost 3000 years ago!

Hint: We hiked the main trail on the way out and then took the North Rim trail back as it intersects with the main trail at both ends. Although there are no petroglyphs on top of the mesa, there were a fair number of very clear petroglyphs on the slope as we climbed to the top of the North Rim. Hikers coming the opposite direction may...

Wild mix of urban and ancient! The official parking area is in a neighborhood by a quick lube and Walgreens...that’s right Walgreens Drug store. As you gain entrance to the Piedras Marcadas National Canyon trail, you peer into backyards of residents on either side who, when purchasing their homes were informed by eager Real Estate agents “Yes the neighbor behind you will always be a National Park.” Ha Ha The trail itself is moderate with only slight elevation changes. Its silty, powdery with some rockiness. The trail is marked but the markings are old and deteriorated. Petroglyph’s are frequent and fantastic; looking for the one with all the hand prints, we found it more than once. We were there on a cloudy breezy day, on a hot sunny day you’ll need a hat and sufficient water. We met Dave the park ranger, he’s only been around this area 60 years, he was friendly and...

Well, this is going to be a hard one to type.

If you're not a hiker, or if you've never seen Petroglyphs, go. Easy trail, well marked, very family friendly.

That said, having seen Petroglyphs in many other places around the country, I found this site frustrating. The Petroglyphs themselves look rather interesting, but the trail keeps you so far away you'd need binoculars to really appreciate them. I get that there's a balance between keeping people away so as not to damage things of great cultural importance, yet allowing people close enough to be able to see and appreciate... I just think they didn't get the balance even close to right. In contrast to sites like those found around Moab, UT, this was rather disappointing, especially for a...