Ancient Petroglyphs of Boca Negra Canyon

Messages Left By Ancient People In New Mexico

These photos were shot on November 29, 2018.

Boca Negra Canyon is part of Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Most of these ancient rock drawings were created between 400 - 700 years ago though some of them are over 1000 years old.

It is a wonderful privilege to have a place like this in the middle of the city. You can walk through the silent desert and watch a raven fly up over the canyon wall, exactly the way ancient people did hundreds of years ago. The city doesn't need more strip malls and convenience stores, it needs more places to breathe and connect to nature.

How your presence can be beneficial: be a paid visitor to the park and don't mess anything up while you're there. Remember, take only photographs and leave only footprints. No one likes "new petroglyphs", so don't try to create your own. ;)

Falling Star?

There are actually three petroglyphs in this photo but you have to look close to see the third one.

Say what you will but the fellow 3rd from the left is clearly in a rocket ship.

Like looking through a time machine. Ancient ruins atop Boca Negra Mesa look out over the city of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains which used to be at the bottom of a prehistoric ocean.

From atop Boca Negra Mesa looking to the southeast over the city of Albuquerque to the Manzano Mountains.

Footprints in time.