Best Things to Do in Petroglyph with Kids

There are so many great trails to hike in Petroglyph with kids!

Petroglyph National Monument is right in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s a must-do with kids in Albuquerque. Plus, it’s free!

Petroglyphs are rock carvings. Most of the estimated 25,000 petroglyphs in the park are believed to have been carved by the ancestors of today’s Pueblo people.

The Ancestral Puebloans have lived in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 1,500 years, but the petroglyphs in the park are thought to have been carved between 1300 and 1680.

One important thing to know when visiting Petroglyph with kids: You have to drive between the Information Center and different trails.

My recommendations for top things to do in Petroglyph with kids are all in different areas of the monument. So, be sure to review the park map and stop by the information center for a park pamphlet and Junior Ranger books before you begin.

There is no shade in any of these sections in Petroglyph. So, come prepared with full water bottles, sunscreen, and hats.

I prefer visiting Petroglyph with kids in winter to avoid the heat.

And one last reminder: Please, never touch the petroglyphs. The oils on our hand can damage these historic carvings.

There is a replica petroglyph outside the information center that you’re allowed to touch to get any itch out.

See 100 petroglyphs in less than a mile

The most popular area of Petroglyph National Monument is Boca Negra.

You can see about 100 petroglyphs on a hike stretching less than a mile!

The Boca Negra Canyon Trail is only 0.7 miles long. It’s paved but *very* steep and not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

Boca Negra is where you will see the famous macaw petroglyph! Clearly, there are no macaws in New Mexico. So, researchers believe the petroglyph speaks to the extensive trading network of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Search for petroglyphs in Rinconada Canyon

Rinconada Canyon was the first trail we ever hiked in Petroglyph, and it’s great for kids!

It’s a less popular trail than Boca Negra. Thus, it’s an amazing way to see dozens of petroglyphs in a short time, with fewer crowds.

The Rinconada Canyon Trail is an easy 2.2 miles, though it’s unpaved and often sandy.

Enjoy the view at the Volcanoes Day Use Area in Petroglyph with kids

For the most traditional hike — but no petroglyphs — visit the Volcanoes Day Use Area.

The Volcanoes Trail is 3 miles and wanders through the extinct volcanoes that dominate west Albuquerque’s landscape.

The trail has lovely views of the city and mountains. Be on the lookout for wildlife too — we saw a coyote here early one winter morning!

Become a Junior Ranger in Petroglyph with kids

You can’t visit Petroglyph with kids without getting sworn in as a Junior Ranger!

Pick up a free activity book at the information center, complete the book, then turn it in for a Junior Ranger badge.

Are you planning more New Mexico adventures with kids? 

Check out my posts on more amazing New Mexico adventures and trips to other National Parks sites around the state.