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Piedras Marcadas Canyon
4.7 ★★★★★ 367 Google reviews · Running trail in Albuquerque, New Mexico · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Piedras Marcadas 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.
Easy trails featuring rock art (petroglyphs) carved by ancient people and views of Albuquerque.
What runners say about Piedras Marcadas Canyon
“Exploring the unique petroglyphs was a great experience, and we turned it into about a 3-mile hike with beautiful views.”
“Short and easy walk to see some incredible petroglyphs, ancient volcanic flow, and views of ABQ.”
I've been hiking/ walking here for decades. Sad to see all the fencing and restrictions now, but it's still a beautiful place to visit. There are still many petroglyphs to see from the trails. You can frequently see coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and lizards etc.
This is a very easy hike that you can complete in about 30 minutes if you walk at a good pace. We went on a hot day and made sure to take plenty of water. There were birds out, but we did not see any other animals. Due to the temperature being close to 100°, no one else was on the trail.
We have hiked miles to view one wall of Petroglyphs from 100 yards. Within 1/2 mile of the parking lot we had seen more close up glyphs than any park we have visited. Well worth the easy morning hike before continuing our cross country drive.
Stopped in during the govt shutdown so we went with no advice from the Visitors Center. I have minor knee problems and found it to be an easy walk. Sandy and mostly flat. Occasional small rocks embedded in the trail, just watch where you're going.
Trail conditions & character
“Exploring the unique petroglyphs was a great experience, and we turned it into about a 3-mile hike with beautiful views.”
“Within 1/2 mile of the parking lot we had seen more close up glyphs than any park we have visited.”
“Easy hike without any significant elevations.”
“I took my dogs walking here I liked it and my dogs did as well there are rocky parts of the path so if you have knee problems I would think twice about walking here.”
Plan your run at Piedras Marcadas Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Albuquerque
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Petroglyph National Monument, Piedras Marcadas Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 477 reviews
Mariposa Basin Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,164 reviews
3 walking trail loops around ponds, a draw for bird watchers, plus playgrounds & sports fields.
Boca Negra Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 950 reviews
Rustic desert park featuring low-key day hikes amid numerous petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks.
A Park Above
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,527 reviews
Green space with ample playground equipment, plus a splash pad, wheelchair swings & covered tables.