Piedras Marcadas Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Ancient Rock Art Heritage
Piedras Marcadas Canyon is a significant archaeological site located within Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The canyon contains one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in North America, with an estimated 5,000 rock carvings created by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers.
The name "Piedras Marcadas" means "canyon of marked rocks" in Spanish, offering a unique opportunity to observe ancient artwork dating back 400 to 700 years. The petroglyphs depict various symbols, animals, and human figures, providing insight into the cultural and spiritual practices of the people who once inhabited this area.
Visitor Experience
The canyon features a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that allows visitors to view up to 400 petroglyphs along the path. The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty and follows the base of a volcanic escarpment where the petroglyphs are found on basalt boulders.
The site is situated in an urban setting, with the trail beginning in a residential neighborhood. Despite its proximity to modern development, the canyon provides a sense of remoteness and connection to the past as visitors explore the rocky landscape and discover the ancient rock art.
