La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs

Just a few miles southwest of downtown Santa Fe, La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs offers a spread out collection of ancient rock art. Hundreds of petroglyphs are carved into dark basalt boulders, with many created by ancestral Pueblo peoples between the 13th and 17th centuries.

The site is reached by a short, easy walk from the parking area, but the petroglyphs are scattered across the rocky hillside and require leaving the main path to explore. The climb is not difficult, though the uneven basalt terrain makes sturdy shoes a good idea. Most carvings are spread out, but one large boulder holds an especially dense concentration of petroglyphs.

At 35.606076, -106.122483, take the split in the road near the entrance fence. Walk toward 35.604957, -106.122975, then head uphill to reach the largest grouping of petroglyphs. Look for spirals, animals, human figures, and geometric designs carved across the volcanic rock. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well, including rattlesnakes and collared lizards.

There are no visitor facilities or shade, so bring water and avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day in summer. Please admire the petroglyphs without touching them, as the oils from human hands can slowly damage the fragile rock surface.