Experts' Choice Award Petroglyph National Monument
What the experts agree on
Over 20,000 ancient petroglyphs carved into dark basalt rocks chronicle thousands of years of Native American life across this sprawling lava field beneath five extinct volcanoes.
“More than 20,000 petroglyphs, scratched or chipped into basalt along a 17mi lava escarpment beneath five ancient volcanoes, chronicle the lives of countless Native American generations.”
– Michelin Guide
Fodor's "Beneath the stumps of five extinct volcanoes, this park encompasses more than 25,000 ancient Native American rock drawings." Full review
Lonely Planet "The lava field preserved in this large desert park, west of the Rio Grande, is adorned with more than 20,000 ancient petroglyphs." Full review
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Smash-and-grab thefts have been reported, so don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
Atlas Obscura "Thousands of pieces of art have been carved into the rock at the site of an ancient volcanic eruption. " Full review
Frommer's "Lava flows were once a hunting and gathering area for prehistoric Native Americans, who left a chronicle of their beliefs etched on the dark basalt boulders." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Over 25,000 petroglyphs, or rock carvings, can be found at Petroglyph National Monument. Some have been there since 2000 BC while some are more recent, though still hundreds of years old...." Full review
National Geographic "Photo ops in my city include the Sandía Mountains at sunset. The mountains draw their Spanish name from the watermelon shade they turn at sunset. One of the best vantage points is from..."
Rough Guide "To uncover more cultural treasures, head to the Petroglyph National Monument. With 25,000+ petroglyphs carved into the volcanic rocks, this is one of North America's largest petroglyph..."
National Geographic "Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque's Westside contains thousands of images pecked into basalt boulders by Native Americans some 700 years ago. Anthropomorphic, animal, and..."
Lonely Planet "Managed by the National Parks Service and the city of Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument on the city's West Side is a 7236-acre park with thousands of ancient rock art images..."
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