The Petroglyph National Monument is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The west side of the low volcanic plateau – West Mesa. What makes this Cultural heritage landscape so special is the spectacular volcanic-basalt area with over 24,000 carved images on rock faces by Ancestral Pueblo Peoples and early Spanish Settlers.
This national treasure covers over 7 acres and with recreation use. This 17 mile long terrain is agreement managed area by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque.
Growing public awareness to care for the precious ‘Rock art’, also extends to include conservation of this natural habitat to protect many wild creatures and native flora.
I spotted the very famous Road Runner bird, lizards and spiders camouflaged in the rocky outcrops. Plants such as Broom Dalea survive in this harsh dormant volcanic terrain. Also growing wild, the aromatic Sand Sage, (Artemisia filifolia), and Snake weed, ( Gutierrezia sarothrae), which local people use as a medical plant to treat Rattle snake bites, eye irritation, bruises, sore muscles, and colds.
The National Parks Annual Pass allows free access to the national Monument and the commercial photography of the Rock Art requires permit permission.
Trails that less challenging
Cliff Base Trail – Lollipop Loop – 0.17 miles roundtrip – Dogs Allowed
Macaw Trail – Loop – 0.1 miles roundtrip – Dogs Allowed
Mesa Point Trail – Lollipop Loop – 0.4 miles roundtrip – No Dogs Allowed
NEXT POST COMING SOON WILL BE A COMMUNITY PARK, WOODSIDE MD
