Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail, Piedras Marcadas Canyon, Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico
Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail - 1.8 miles
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.8 miles ((distance includes the side trails to view petroglyphs)) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,217' - 5,100' (5,217' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | -117 net elevation change (+165' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trail - 1.8 Miles Round-Trip
From the trailhead off Jill Patricia Street, a sign just west of the parking lot welcomes you to Piedras Marcadas Canyon. Head west past the sign to reach the official trailhead which a short walk from the lot. Unlike other areas of Petroglyph National Monument, this area is specifically maintained by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division.
Upon reaching the interpretive trailhead sign, bear left through a closed gate and begin to head down a sandy fire road. Be sure to pay attention to the interpretive trailhead sign. It identifies and names six separate petroglyphs that can be found within Piedras Marcadas Canyon.
The trail drops quickly into Piedras Marcadas Canyon as the path begins to narrow. Rounding a small hill, the first of 6 marked petroglyphs is present on your right. Continue to bear right and skirt the canyon wall. Several other markers will identify the petroglyphs numbered on the interpretive sign at the trailhead.
After markers #2 through #5, connect back to the main trail and follow it west until you reach the final marker #6. This is the end of the Piedras Marcadas Trail.
You can either turnaround and take the same route back which skirts the canyon wall, or you can hike straight back to the trailhead through the center of the canyon which saves about .4 miles in distance.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N35 011.120 W106 41.395 — Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Unfortunately, litter can be found within this sacred canyon. Broken glass is found among the petroglyphs and can present a danger. Watch where you put your hands and feet.
- This trail is in the middle of the Albuquerque suburbs and noise can be heard almost the entire trail. This is not a trail for thoses seeking to escape the sights and sounds of the city.
- Despite its proximity to civilization, the petroglyphs in Piedras Marcadas Canyon are impressive.
- Bring water and use sunscreen - this trail is highly exposed to the elements.
- Do not be fooled by a social trail which heads up and to the right of the interpretive trailhead sign. This is not the trail. Stay to the left of the trailhead sign and follow the fire road down into the canyon.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- There is no camping in Piedras Marcadas Canyon.
Fishing Information
- There is no camping in Piedras Marcadas Canyon.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must be on leash in Piedras Marcadas Canyon and cannot be left in cars unattended
- This is a no-fee, day-use only area
- Removing, defacing or destroying ancient artifacts, including petroglyphs, from the canyon is illegal
Directions to Trailhead
From I-40 west of Albuquerque, take exit #154 / Unser Blvd and head north on Unser Blvd. Continue on Unser for several miles, passing the Visitor Center and Boca Negra Canyon. Unser will become Universe Blvd. At Paseo Del Norte Road, turn right (east) and continue on Paseo Del Norte until you reach Golf Course Road. Turn left on Golf Course Road and a short distance later turn left on Jill Patricia Street. The trailhead parking lot will be on your right hand side, off of Jill Patricia Street.
Contact Information
Albuquerque Open Space Division
Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 1293
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Physical Address:
3615 Los Picaros SE
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Administrative Office
Phone: (505) 452-5200 or 311
Or
Petroglyph National Monument
Attn: Visitor Services
6001 Unser Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
By Phone
Visitor Information
505-899-0205
By Fax
505-899-0207
Las Im?genes Visitor Center is open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Closed on: New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. The visitor center typically closes at 2:00pm on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Follow ProTrails®