Petroglyph National Monument

One of the greatest petroglyph sites in North America, Petroglyph National Monument has more than 25,000 carved figures from the region's early pueblo inhabitants and Spanish settlers. Start your visit in the visitor center to learn more about the monument and the activities it offers because the property has so much to see. Then, after a little drive, climb to several petroglyphs in one of three locations: Boca Negra Canyon, Rinconada Canyon, or Piedras Marcadas Canyon. The monument is home to several different snake species, including deadly rattlesnakes, so take caution where you walk.

One of the most valuable collections of Native American and early Spanish petroglyphs in the nation is protected by the Petroglyph National Monument, which lies close to Albuquerque. Before beginning your on foot exploration along one of the four hiking routes, you can see a short movie and pick up trail maps at the visitors center.

The Boca Negra Canyon, the only built area at the moment with facilities and a picnic area, has three simple one-hour paths. These routes have about 100 petroglyphs, but if you're up for a longer trip, there are three other trails in the Rinconada and Piedras Marcadas Canyons that will expose you to hundreds of petroglyphs.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in New Mexico

Location: New Mexico