Petroglyphs


 




Once I finally got settled in, one of the first things I wanted to do was go hiking, and check out the trails in and around Albuquerque. One of the first places I knew I had to check out was the Petroglyph National Monument, because one thing I love is how history and hiking go hand in hand here. So after a brief visit to the visitor center where I thought the trails were, I got back in my car and headed out in search of my first stop. That happened to be the Boca Negra Canyon. 

After paying my dollar to get in and the trek to the parking lot I knew I made a smart decision in starting here first. The hike itself is short, but slightly strenuous due to the unpredictable terrain, but the views and experience more than make up for it. The fact that this trail and hike allows guests to get up close and personal to these ancient petroglyphs is nothing short of amazing. Even more impressive about this one is there is not a hike to get to them like in the other trails, they are immediate and the focal point of this trail. It can be quick, but with all the time stopping and admiring these ancient works it will take a while because of all the photos you will take. I feel like I have to go again because I am sure I missed so many sights. 

After the fun of Boca Negra I knew that I wanted to go see the additional trails attached to this National Monument, so after corralling the dog into the car it was off to Rinconada Canyon. Again, not disappointed but a totally different experience. For starters being in a canyon made it so unique being surrounded on all sides. This one though you have to walk for a little while to see the petroglyphs, and on the back half you don’t see any. But in the 2ish mile loop it is a great time. The petroglyphs are very far away on this one, so pay attention closely as you will be staring for a while trying to find them. Next time I go I will be more prepared with both binoculars, and a change of shoes for how sandy it is. The fact that this is a dog friendly trail makes it great too, where Boca Negra is not. 

Considering these were two of the first hikes I did in the Albuquerque area I have become instantly hooked in hiking this state. The scenery is always beautiful, the history from past cultures is so rich, and nothing is so far away. I can impulsively do it on a weekend morning. Also it says something that I want to do these hikes again, and bring people to them to introduce them to a rich culture where it is much more than a hike. I love when the weather is warm on a Saturday and in a relatively short drive I can go explore, and get lost in nature and history again.

To see more photos follow me on Instagram @the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx 


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