So Much to Do in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, was founded in 1660 with land grants to more than 100 Spanish families from the Duke of Albuquerque. Today it is one of the Jewels of the Land of Enchantment.
We go back to the earliest history by visiting the Petroglyph National Monument, just West and North of the city. The Monument features thousands of petroglyphs, which are pictures carved on the basalt lava rocks. Most of these petroglyphs were made 400 to 700 years ago by the native Pueblo people. Some might date back 2,000 to 3,000 years. Others are from the modern era of the Hispanics and more frequent explorers.
Three viewing sections are available to the visitor. The most popular area is Boca Negra Canyon. This area is run by the city and there is a slight admission charge, if someone is at the gate. Three trails of varying lengths of five to fifteen minutes let the visitor view hundreds of these petroglyphs. Some of the designs are the human form, shaman, various animals of the area, and geometric designs. Watch out for rattlesnakes and keep on the trails.
One mile south of the visitor center is Rinconada Canyon, which features a two and a half-mile round trip through the rocks. This trail is not paved.
Further north is Piedras Marcadas Canyon with more petroglyphs.
There is no fee at the National Monument and the hikes are self guided. Booklets about the trails and the petroglyphs can be purchased at the visitor center.
Fourteen miles north of Petroglyph National Monument is Coronado State Monument. This is located on Rte 550 just outside of Bernalillo. The State Park commemorates two important occurrences. First is the Pueblo of Kuanua, begun