New Mexico · National Monument trail

Petroglyphs Pueblo Loop Trail Stop 21

in New Mexico · centroid 53 mi from Albuquerque

Petroglyphs (carved drawings) are far more common than pictographs (painted drawings) at Bandelier. Do you see the carving of a macaw under the overhang? How about the one of an elk to the left of the macaw?

The people of Frijoles Canyon lived, worked, laughed, and died here for over four centuries. In that time, they learned to grow crops, read the weather and the stars, use the abundant natural resources, and live comfortably. However, like all cultures and all societies, things change.

Frijoles and the surrounding areas of Bandelier were not abandoned. There was no mysterious migration or sudden disappearance of its people. Old systems gave way to new traditions and ways of life. Although the pueblo people have not lived in the canyon since the late 1500’s, a deep spiritual connection still exists.

States: New Mexico
Trail type: National Monument trail
Centroid nearest city: Albuquerque, NM · 53 mi · ~1.5 hr drive
Centroid coords: 35.7848°, -106.2778°

About Bandelier National Monument

National Monument

This trail is inside Bandelier National Monument, a national monument managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle (verify current rate on the park page). An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/petroglyphs-pueblo-loop-trail-stop-21.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Petroglyphs Pueblo Loop Trail Stop 21 and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.

Stay nearby

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Driving in? The nearest documented metro is Albuquerque, NM — 53 miles away (~1.5 hr drive). See accommodation in Albuquerque on Booking.com → RoamFound earns a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we handle affiliate links.