Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including volcanos, archeological sites and an estimated 20,000 carved images. Many of the images are recognizable as animals, people, brands and crosses; others are more complex. These images are inseparable from the cultural landscape, the spirits of the people who created, and who appreciate them.

Visitor Center:

Petroglyph National Monument's Visitor Center was once the home of an extraordinary lady. Dr. Sophie Aberle was the first practicing applied anthropologist in the United States. She was known as "Measuring Lady" by the Native Americans she worked with. Her research focused mainly on women's lives at the pueblos, including pregnancy, child birth, child care, diet and healing. Because of her position as Superintendent of the United Pueblo's Agency, she was able to implement practices which led to better conditions in the pueblos. more..

		Natural Resources: This ecosystem has a diverse population of plants, shrubs and trees which have adapted to live in the desert. It is home to a diverse population of mammals, reptiles and rodents. Also, fissure volcanoes can be seen on the mesa top which offer a rare look at geologic features of the Rio Grande Valley. more..

basalt rock with volcanoe in the background

Cultural Resources:

The presence of early American Indian activity can be found throughout the monument. The images left behind on the rocks tell the stories of those people who visited long ago. American Indian and Spanish Explorers were common visitors to the mesa and Rio Grande Valley. more..

Write to

Petroglyph National Monument
6001 Unser Blvd, NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120

Phone

Park Information
(505) 899-0205 ext. 331

Fax

(505) 899-0207

Climate

The climate of Albuquerque is best described as arid with abundant sunshine, low humidity, scant precipitation and a wide, yet tolerable range of temperatures. More than three-fourths of the daylight hours have sunshine, even in the winter months. Albuquerque temperatures are those characteristic of a dry, high altitude climate and extreme temperatures are rare.

Communities Surrounding Petroglyph National Monument

Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Albuquerque, NM (14 min. ) Pop. 448,607 Corrales, NM (15 min. ) Pop. 7,334 Rio Rancho, NM (18 min. ) Pop. 51,765 Isleta, NM (25 min. ) Bernalillo, NM (25 min. ) Pop. 6,611 Tijeras, NM (28 min. ) Pop. 474 Cedar Crest, NM (29 min. ) Pop. 1,060 Los Lunas, NM (31 min. ) Pop. 10,034 Peralta, NM (31 min. ) Pop. 3,750	Algodones, NM (32 min. ) Pop. 688 Bosque Farms, NM (32 min. ) Pop. 3,931 Edgewood, NM (36 min. ) Pop. 1,893 Sandia Park, NM (39 min. ) Montezuma, NM (42 min. ) Tome, NM (42 min. ) La Madera, NM (49 min. ) San Ysidro, NM (51 min. ) Pop. 238 Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM (52 min. ) Pop. 2,550


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