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Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 477 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead
“It was about 76° when I went, but it felt much hotter since there’s no shade or water on the trail.”
“The trails are very well marked and easy to follow.”
“Petroglyph National Monument Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead is a great spot for an easy hike.”
I really enjoyed my visit to Petroglyph National Monument. I went on the Piedras Marcadas Canyon hike which is rated easy. It's about 2 miles and an amazing way to see so many different petroglyphs. I was amazed by how clearly the ancient images can be seen and how many there are!
This place is pretty neat. You get to see all sorts of rock carvings in different areas. We went here when it was in the 30s as I avoid the hot days. Nice walk, the parking lot is small.
Another great trail within Petroglyph NM. Limited parking at the trailhead. Two out and back trails that are connected to form a 2.5 mile loop trail if you want to see the petroglyphs and views from the top of the canyon. No bathrooms/ services so come prepared with water and an empty bladder. Would recommend.
The Piedras Marcadas Canyon is one of three primary visitor sites at the Petroglyph National Monument. This is the most northern trail with viewing of up to 400 images. The main trail is a very easy and flat 1.9 miles. We looped back on the North Rim trail on the way back for a total of about 2.5 miles.
Trail conditions & character
“Not wheelchair accessible, there are big wooden posts/a fence that you have to weave through to get to the trailhead.”
“It is stunning to see communications left from peoples anywhere from a couple of hundred years to others of which have been dated to almost 3000 years ago!”
“The trail is relatively flat for the most part, although I only hiked the lower portion and did an out and back hike, not the whole loop.”
“The trail is relatively flat for the most part, although I only hiked the lower portion and did an out and back hike, not the whole loop.”
“" Be sure to bring water and use a restroom before you start your hike as facilities are not available on site.”
“It was about 76° when I went, but it felt much hotter since there’s no shade or water on the trail.”
“My dog and I love "hiking" the 2 mile loop Piedres Marcada Canyon trail.”
“Not wheelchair accessible, there are big wooden posts/a fence that you have to weave through to get to the trailhead.”
“There are small markers along the trail without explanation.”
Plan your run at Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 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.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon
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