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A comment period for this project closes
Apr 30, 2026:
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Visitor Services and Facility Enhancements at Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument » Visitor Services and Facility Enhancements at Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument preserves and protects one of the largest and most significant petroglyph sites in North America, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the cultural and natural landscapes of the region.
The National Park Service in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division is developing site plans for visitor services and facility enhancements for the Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadows areas (including the Visitor Information Center), the two primary visitor destinations in Petroglyph National Monument.
Our goal is to provide visitors with meaningful experiences through improved facilities and opportunities for discovery, learning, and connecting to park resources, while ensuring that cultural and natural resources are preserved for future generations.
The facilities at Boca Negra Canyon have served visitors since 1973 when it was established as Indian Petroglyph State Park and managed by the City of Albuquerque. The Lava Shadows area includes the Visitor Information Center - which occupies a historic home constructed in 1948. This is the primary place for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Monument and serves as the base for exploration and way finding. The area also includes an amphitheater built in 2014 that serves as a venue for larger events.
The site plans will guide future management decisions for these two areas of Petroglyph National Monument. Through this planning effort, the National Park Service and City of Albuquerque Open Space Division aim to:
-Enhance visitor experiences by improving wayfinding, interpretation, and accessibility.
-Protect cultural resources, including petroglyphs, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural landscapes.
-Address infrastructure needs such as trails, fencing, and visitor facilities.
-Reduce visitor impacts on sensitive areas by managing social trails and off-trail access.
-Rehabilitate roads and parking facilities.
This plan is informed by National Park Service and City of Albuquerque policies, input from Tribes and stakeholders, and feedback from the public.
Public comment will be accepted starting March 23, 2026. Meanwhile, we invite you to review the preliminary management strategies for Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadow and attend the site visit on March 28 at 1 pm at Boca Negra Canyon, and/or the public open house on March 30, at 6 pm at the Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center in Albuquerque (more information under Meeting Notices).
We invite you to share your thoughts and help shape the future of Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadows. Your insights on our vision will contribute to a thoughtful and sustainable management approach that ensures this special place remains accessible and well-preserved for generations to come.
Please refer to the site plans for more information on this effort. The site plans can be accessed using the "Document List" link at the left side of this page.
505-899-0205
The National Park Service in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division is developing site plans for visitor services and facility enhancements for the Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadows areas (including the Visitor Information Center), the two primary visitor destinations in Petroglyph National Monument.
Our goal is to provide visitors with meaningful experiences through improved facilities and opportunities for discovery, learning, and connecting to park resources, while ensuring that cultural and natural resources are preserved for future generations.
The facilities at Boca Negra Canyon have served visitors since 1973 when it was established as Indian Petroglyph State Park and managed by the City of Albuquerque. The Lava Shadows area includes the Visitor Information Center - which occupies a historic home constructed in 1948. This is the primary place for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Monument and serves as the base for exploration and way finding. The area also includes an amphitheater built in 2014 that serves as a venue for larger events.
The site plans will guide future management decisions for these two areas of Petroglyph National Monument. Through this planning effort, the National Park Service and City of Albuquerque Open Space Division aim to:
-Enhance visitor experiences by improving wayfinding, interpretation, and accessibility.
-Protect cultural resources, including petroglyphs, archaeological sites, and traditional cultural landscapes.
-Address infrastructure needs such as trails, fencing, and visitor facilities.
-Reduce visitor impacts on sensitive areas by managing social trails and off-trail access.
-Rehabilitate roads and parking facilities.
This plan is informed by National Park Service and City of Albuquerque policies, input from Tribes and stakeholders, and feedback from the public.
Public comment will be accepted starting March 23, 2026. Meanwhile, we invite you to review the preliminary management strategies for Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadow and attend the site visit on March 28 at 1 pm at Boca Negra Canyon, and/or the public open house on March 30, at 6 pm at the Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center in Albuquerque (more information under Meeting Notices).
We invite you to share your thoughts and help shape the future of Boca Negra Canyon and Lava Shadows. Your insights on our vision will contribute to a thoughtful and sustainable management approach that ensures this special place remains accessible and well-preserved for generations to come.
Please refer to the site plans for more information on this effort. The site plans can be accessed using the "Document List" link at the left side of this page.
Contact Information
Nancy Hendricks, Superintendent505-899-0205