Archaeological sights in Southwest
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Petroglyph National Monument
More than 20,000 petrogyphs are etched on basalt along the edge of an ancient lava field. Stop by the visitor center, on Western Trail at Unser Blvd, to determine which of three viewing trails – in different sections of the park – best suits your interests. Rinconada Canyon has the longest trail (2.2 miles round-trip) and is best if you want some solitude; Boca Negra Canyon features three short trails; Piedras Marcadas has 300 petroglyphs along a 1.5-mile trail. To leave the city behind for great views but no rock art, hit the Volcanoes Trail. Note: smash-and-grab thefts have been reported at some trailhead parking lots, so don't leave valuables in your vehicle. The…
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Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Area
The uncrowded Three Rivers Petroglyph NRA showcases 20,000 petroglyphs inscribed 1000 years ago by the Jornada Mogollon people. The 1-mile hike through mesquite and cacti offers good views of the Sacramento Mountains to the east and White Sands Monument on the horizon. Nearby is a pithouse in a partially excavated village.
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Petroglyphs
Just east of the visitor center on Hwy 24, look for the parking lot for freely accessible petroglyphs; these are the rock-art carvings that convinced archaeologists the Fremont Indians were a group distinct from the Ancestral Puebloan. Follow the roadside boardwalk to see several panels.
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