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Boca Negra Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 950 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Boca Negra Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rustic desert park featuring low-key day hikes amid numerous petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks.
What runners say about Boca Negra Canyon
“The view from the top is pretty remarkable Good clean bathrooms and a decent amount of parking.”
“Such a beautiful park just outside of the city.”
“Very well set up and easy to navigate.”
Very well set up and easy to navigate. The hill was pretty steep, but we saw people pf all ages traversing the area. The view from the top is pretty remarkable Good clean bathrooms and a decent amount of parking. The bathrooms are a bit removed from the main hill.
Moderate hike to the top. It is steep and rocky. The petroglyphs at the bottom are roped off but beware of vandalism. Good way to spend an hour or so...
The trail was ok, but I think I was expecting more. I enjoyed the canyon to the north significantly more. This is made up of 2 smaller loop trails. One basically climbs the side of the hill. The other is flatter that hugs the parking lot.
Very short hike but a must do if visiting the area. There are several little paths up besides the main one so be sure to take your time. Don’t go when it’s too sunny because the petroglyphs don’t show up as well. Trail is very rocky and you can slip/trip easily so wear proper hiking boots. Amazing views from the top!
Trail conditions & character
“You do have to climb like a mountain goat… around the rocks and up little stairs… and you get to the coolest ones.”
“Many of the petroglyphs are also in quite prominent positions sitting on rocky outcrops that give a dramatic view over to the Sandia mountains.”
“We did see a City of Albuquerque employee washing out the restrooms and locking up behind us as we left though.”
“Good amount of parking here, and the trails are relatively short so you should be able to grab a spot as someone is heading out if it's full.”
“Keep in mind that the trails are not stroller or wheelchair accessible, but there is an ADA view scope available for viewing petroglyphs.”
“Many of the petroglyphs are also in quite prominent positions sitting on rocky outcrops that give a dramatic view over to the Sandia mountains.”
“Mostly easy flat trails with bathrooms and water fountains nearby.”
“The walking paths around were made up of sand, some boardwalk and some choppy asphalt.”
Plan your run at Boca Negra Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(505) 873-6620
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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