Trail Description

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The Cliff Base Trail provides the most diverse collection of petroglyphs in Boca Negra Canyon. It is the longest of the three trails in this canyon and takes visitors back in time to view petroglyphs ranging thousands of years in age from the ancient Indians to more recent Mexican and Spanish settlers.

At just under .2 miles, the Cliff Base Trail leaves from the same area as the Macaw Trail, sharing a restroom facility and interpretive shelter that provides information about previous inhabitants, geology and how petroglyphs are created.

The trail itself leads up and through the escarpment of Boca Negra Canyon. It winds through basalt boulders of varying size and shape, offering views of some amazing petroglyphs. The trail eventually meets back up with the main trail stem, leading you to the trailhead.

Worth Noting

• Boca Negra Canyon is where Petroglyph National Monument got its start. Originally named Indian Petroglyph State Park back in the late 1960's, conservation groups worked hard to eventually earn national monument status in 1990


• Keep a close watch on children as rattlesnakes love to sun themselves on the basalt rocks along the Cliff Base Trail.


• Being a highly popular area with visitors, early morning is the best time to enjoy Boca Negra Canyon. Parking is limited and the lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends


• Petroglyph National Monument is co-managed by the City of Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico and the National Park System


• This is a fee area and is strictly enforced. They range from $1.00 per car (weekdays) to $2.00 per car (weekends). Please call the park for current fees as they may have changed. NATIONAL PARK PASSES are honored

Camping and Backpacking Information

There is no camping available in Boca Negra Canyon.

Fishing Information

There is no fishing available in Boca Negra Canyon.

Rules and Regulations

• There are no pets allowed whatsoever in Boca Negra Canyon. Pets are also not allowed to be kept in vehicles while owners are hiking


• This is a day-use area only with hourse generally being from 8am - 5pm. However, please contact the park for most current day-use hours. Often times, the last time they allow visitors to enter the canyon is 4:30pm to ensure visitors vacate the canyon by sunset


• Conservation of the ecosystem and petroglyphs are the uptmost concern for park authorities. Defacing, damaging or removing any petroglyph or artifact will result in prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Destruction or poaching of park artifcats is the most serious offense and rangers reserve the right to search vehicles


• Due to the fragile ecosystem of Boca Negra Canyon, please remain on trails and do not attempt to go off trail


• There are Western Diamondback and Western Prairie Rattlesnakes in Boca Negra Canyon. As footing is unstable on the Cliff Base Trail, please be cautious of where you step and where you place your hands.


• Millipedes are quite common along the Cliff Base Trail. Do not disturb them or attempt to pick them up. While harmless to humans, they do emit a foul smelling and somewhat toxic liquid as a defense mechanism. Millipedes also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem so their survival should be ensured and protected by all visitors

Directions to Trailhead

The Macaw Trail is located in Boca Negra Canyon, just off Unser Boulevard, 1/4 mile north of Monta?o Road. From I-40, exit at Unser Blvd and head north on Unser for about 3 miles. A quarter mile after crossing Monta?o Road, you will see signs for Boca Negra Canyon on the right hand side. Turn right into Boca Negra Canyon, pay the attendant at the fee station and then park in one of the two available lots. The road through Boca Negra Canyon is a one-way loop. The first trailhead along the road is the Mesa Point Trail, followed by the Macaw and Cliff Base Trails located next to the restrooms.

Contact Information

Petroglyph National Monument
Attn: Visitor Services
6001 Unser Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120

By Phone
Visitor Information
505-899-0205

By Fax
505-899-0207

Las Im?genes Visitor Center is open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*Closed on: New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. The visitor center typically closes at 2:00pm on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.