Inspiration for your yard can come from a multitude of places — neighbors’ yards, books, magazines or visits to plant nurseries and botanic gardens — but it can also come from experiencing nature. The greater Albuquerque area is surrounded by beautiful open space areas that provide recreation, conservation, education, heritage and design inspiration. The plants you see in these natural areas are likely to do well in yards in that same part of town. Plants that are growing near each other will make good combinations in yards as well.
Today, we are highlighting some beautiful natural areas to visit on the West Side of Albuquerque.
One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America is located right here. Petroglyph National Monument is a short drive from the center of town. It features designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400-700 years ago. According to the National Park Service, “These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers.”
The West Mesa escarpment, where the petroglyphs are located, is a 17-mile-long cliff of dark basalt boulders. It was created over 200,000 years ago by six volcanic eruptions. There is a thriving habitat of plants, birds, reptiles and insects here. Common plants include sand sage, four-wing saltbush, rabbitbrush, indigo bush, snakeweed, Indian ricegrass and a multitude of wildflowers. Above, you’ll find many bird species such as flycatchers, roadrunners, hawks, owls and turkey vultures.
There are five areas to visit, with four of them offering trails.
Visitor Center: The visitor center and park store are open daily. Staff are available to answer questions and provide information and brochures. On the patio, there is a self-serve information table stocked with brochures and trail guides. The short walk to the center offers a look at various labeled native plants that you may see on your adventures. No trails are available at the Visitor Center; these are all located 1-6 miles away.
Boca Negra Canyon: Access three short self-guided trails from this area: Mesa Point, Macaw and Cliff Base. These trails only take about an hour to walk but they pack a punch with over 100 petroglyphs to view. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the multiple shaded picnic tables, each offering a beautiful vista. This area is run by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division. For a trail map, click here.
Rinconda Canyon: The longest trail in the monument, this two-hour 2.2-mile round trip trail takes you past 200-300 petroglyphs. This hike goes deep into the canyon following the northern escarpment, a beautiful quiet escape from the city. For a trail map, click here.
Piedras Marcadas Canyon: Take one of the two short trails or combine them for a 2.5-mile round trip trail that takes you up onto the escarpment, offering expansive views of the city and the Sandia Mountains. View trail map here.
Volcanoes Day Use Area: You’ll find this trail up on the escarpment about 5 miles north of Interstate 40. Hike 1 or 4 miles on trails that take you up and around three cinder cones. Take a break at the shaded scenic overview which gives you views of the city, the Rio Grande Valley and many local mountain ranges. Experience large expanses of grasslands. Plan your visit with the map here.
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