West Mesa

Shooting Range

Boca Negra Canyon

WHY IT'S OUTSTANDING:

Three trails take you up and along the volcanic escarpment, offering multiple opportunities to view ancient rock images at very close range. The view from the top of the Mesa Point Trail is remarkable, with much of the 17-mile volcanic escarpment visible.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take I-25 to the Montgomery/Montano exit (Exit 228). Head west on Montano for 6 1/2 miles to Unser Blvd. Turn north on Unser Blvd. Following the brown signs for Boca Negra Canyon, turn east on Atrisco Dr. The entrance to Boca Negra Canyon is on the east side of the road.

There is a parking fee of $1.00 per car on weekdays, $2.00 on weekends.

Piedras Marcadas Canyon

WHY IT'S OUTSTANDING:

This area of Petroglyph National Monument is owned and managed by the City of Albuquerque and its the northernmost feature of the 17-mile long volcanic escarpment. The name of this cultural landscape literally means “canyon of marked rocks.” This area has the largest concentration of petroglyphs within Petroglyph National Monument. The area is free to all visitors and less crowded than other parts of the Monument.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take I-25 to the Paseo del Norte exit (Exit 232). Go west on Paseo del Norte to Golf Course Rd. Turn north on Golf Course Rd. and then west on Jill Patricia just south of Paradise Rd. The parking lot is immediately on your right.

Volcanoes Trail

WHY IT'S OUTSTANDING:

This area offers unparalleled views of the city, the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley. It also offers an up-close and personal experience with dormant volcanic cinder cones formed over 135,000 years ago, all within minutes of the city.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take I-40 to the Paseo del Volcan exit (Exit 149) and travel north on Paseo del Volcan for approximately 5 miles. The unpaved access road to the Volcanoes Day Use Area will be on your right. Free parking is available at the end of the access road.