Boca Negra Canyon
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Boca Negra Canyon is a highly-rated family destination primarily known for its abundant and easily accessible petroglyphs, offering a unique blend of cultural education and outdoor activity. It's an ideal spot for short hikes and discovering ancient rock art, with varied trail options catering to different energy levels.
Key Highlights
- ✓Nearly 2000 petroglyphs are visible, many within a short walk from the parking lot, making them highly accessible for viewing.
- ✓Features two distinct trail types: one flatter, easy loop ideal for casual walks, and another that climbs hills, offering a more active experience.
- ✓A ranger is stationed at the entrance, providing information and guidance about the trails.
- ✓Considered an 'easy and fun' national park experience, even for those passing through New Mexico.
Standout Features
- ⭐High density of petroglyphs, often described as 'so cool' and 'fun' to discover.
- ⭐Ranger station at the entrance for information and assistance.
- ⭐Variety of trails, from very short and flat to moderately challenging climbs.
- ⭐Conveniently located 'right behind a neighborhood' and close to the visitor center (3 miles away).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Confirm your intended trail with the ranger at the entrance to avoid confusion (e.g., ensure you're on the 'easy Macaw Trail' if that's your preference).
- →Be prepared for some scrambling and climbing over rocks and up small stairs if you want to see the best petroglyphs; wear appropriate footwear.
- →Even if you cannot hike far, many petroglyphs are visible within a short walk from the car, and some may be visible from the parking lot.
- →Look at the rocks from different angles as 'a new [drawing] appears' frequently.
- →If seeking grand canyon views, be aware that this specific canyon might not meet those expectations as other trails in the wider park might be preferred (based on Review 1).
Things to Consider
- ⚠One review noted a 'small parking lot', while another mentioned 'plenty of parking' – indicating potential inconsistency or perception issues regarding parking availability.
- ⚠Some of the 'coolest' petroglyphs require climbing 'like a mountain goat' over rocks and up small stairs, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
- ⚠While ancient signs are protected, there is evidence of past graffiti, which some visitors found sad.
- ⚠The very top of the monument is closed to visitors.
- ⚠Potential for miscommunication with rangers about trail difficulty/location (e.g., intending an easy trail but ending up on a more challenging one).
Price & Value
No pricing information was mentioned in the reviews, therefore it's unclear if there's an entrance fee or hidden costs.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Not wheelchair accessible on the trails; requires climbing 'like a mountain goat' over rocks and up stairs for the best petroglyph views.
- •Some petroglyphs might be visible from the parking lot or via very short, flat walks.
- •Stroller-friendliness is limited to potentially the parking lot area, not the trails.
🚗Parking Info
- •Conflicting reports: one review stated a 'small parking lot', while another mentioned 'plenty of parking'. Parents should be prepared for either scenario.
- •The area is located behind a neighborhood, suggesting potential for street parking if lots are full, though this was not explicitly stated.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No specific crowd times were mentioned, but one reviewer noted 'so many people want to leave their mark' suggesting a level of popularity, though this was in the context of graffiti.
🛡️Safety Features
- •A ranger station with staff is present at the entrance, which can be a resource for safety information.
- •Ancient signs/petroglyphs are protected, implying efforts to preserve the site.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families requiring full wheelchair accessibility for trails, as it is 'not wheelchair accessible' beyond potentially the parking lot area.
- • Individuals expecting expansive, dramatic canyon landscapes, as one reviewer found other nearby canyons more impressive for scenery.
- • Families with very young toddlers (under 2) who cannot walk independently or be carried in a carrier on uneven terrain, especially for the climbing sections.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Mesa Point Trail
Duration: 30 minutes
Strenuous self-guided trail.
Includes:
- •Viewing petroglyphs
Macaw Trail
Duration: 5 minutes
Moderate self-guided trail.
Includes:
- •Viewing petroglyphs
Cliff Base Trail
Duration: 15 minutes
Moderate self-guided trail.
Includes:
- •Viewing petroglyphs
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Pets are not allowed at Boca Negra Canyon.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Andrew Barch
8 months agoThe trail was ok, but I think I was expecting more. I enjoyed the canyon to the north significantly more. This is made up of 2 smaller loop trails. One basically climbs the side of the hill. The other is flatter that hugs the parking lot. Nothing wrong with either trail, I just think there are better trails in the park.
gabriella gaita
6 months agoSmall parking lot in front of a lava flow that is decorated with petroglyphs. We took 2 trails there (the shortest trails ever lol) but we saw many petroglyphs! They were so cool… also so many people want to leave their mark- flood thing these ancient signs are now protected or we would not have found any left. So sad to see grafitty in these places. In all very interesting site and yes, many cool petroglyphs within a short minute walk from the car. Not wheelchair accessible- but I think you can see some from the parking lot. You do have to climb like a mountain goat… around the rocks and up little stairs… and you get to the coolest ones. What fun.
Shelby Dupree
3 months agoThis was an easy and fun national park that had plenty of parking and petroglyphs. It’s right behind a neighborhood and has easy walking trails
Jan P
8 months agoThis is the closest set of trails to the visitor center (3 miles away). There is a guard station with a ranger at the entrance. We asked him about the trails and apparently misunderstood him. We intended to do the easy Macaw Trail -178ft elevation with a 14ft elevation gain (which is actually to left of the picnic area), but somehow wound up in the Mesa Point Trail- 1056 ft elevation with a 119ft gain. We lived to tell the story. The very top of the monument is closed but you can get up pretty high.
Jonathan Franco
4 months agoPassing through grand New Mexico and discovered this hidden gem. There are plenty of drawings with nearly 2000 pictures roundabout. Every time you look at the rocks in a different angle a new one appears. A must visit site when you are passing through New Mexico.