Petroglyph National Monument

11/10/2026

Does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? If so, bring your well behaved, friendly dog to Rinconada Canyon this Thursday (11/12) for a guided hike.

Meet at the Rinconada Canyon parking lot at 9:30 am.

This sandy trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip with gradual inclines. Dogs must be leashed (6' max), and owners must pick up after them. Dogs will earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger tag for their collar! Bring plenty of water for you and your furry friend. There are vault toilets in the parking lot, but no water is available. Binoculars are not necessary to see petroglyphs but are recommended especially to see wildlife. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable close-toed shoes with good ankle support. Wear sun protection.

Rinconada canyon is located at 3701 Unser Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

NPS Photo

11/09/2026

The Western National Parks store will have a 20% off sale for Park Protector members on Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
The store is located in the Visitor Information Center at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. It is open from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/03/2026

Come join us for a hike this Thursday and Saturday. These volunteer led hikes will take place at Piedras Marcadas Canyon on 11/5 at 2:00PM and at Rinconada Canyon on 11/7 at 10:00AM.
Bring plenty of water with you. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes with good ankle support. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary for petroglyph-viewing.
NPS Photo

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/27/2026

Come join us for a hike this Thursday and Saturday. These volunteer led hikes will take place at Piedras Marcadas Canyon on 10/29 at 4:00PM and at Rinconada Canyon on 10/31 at 9:00AM.

Bring plenty of water with you. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes with good ankle support. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary for petroglyph-viewing.

NPS Photo

10/24/2026

The Western National Parks store will have a 20% off sale for Park Protector members on Tuesday, October 27 in honor of Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.

The store is located in the Visitor Information Center at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. It is open from 8:30AM to 4:00PM.

10/20/2026

Author talk: Haunted New Mexico by Christine Rogel

Saturday, Oct 24 at 2:00 PM

Christine Rogel will discuss her book, Haunted New Mexico, including the research and experiences behind compiling this group of stories. A great read for October, her work showcases the mystical quality of the state of New Mexico and challenges what is real and imaginary.

This talk will take place at the Visitor Information Center located at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

10/13/2026

Come and experience a live traditional Spanish flamenco performance by Spanish Broom at the Visitor Information Center's amphitheater on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00 PM. Bring a seat cushion for comfort.

10/06/2026

Looking for a hike to do this weekend?

Join park volunteer James Platt on Saturday, October 10th at 9:00 AM for a hike focusing on the history, geology, and petroglyphs along the 2.2 mile loop trail at Rinconada Canyon. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes.

This hike will meet at the Rinconada Canyon trailhead located at 3701 Unser Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

NPS Photo

10/01/2026

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins this Saturday (10/3)! It will last through Sunday, October 11th. Expect high visitation at the monument during this time.

On weekends during this time join us on the Visitor Information Center's patio for special cultural demonstrations.

On Saturday and Sunday, 10/3 & 4 from 10 am to 4 pm: Stephanie Zuni from Isleta Pueblo will be selling her original pottery pieces as well as demonstrating this traditional craft.

Saturday and Sunday, 10/10 & 11 from 10 am to 4 pm: Michael Kanteena from Laguna Pueblo will demonstrate how he makes black-on-white pre-Columbian Mimbres pottery reproductions.

NPS Photo

09/22/2026

Join us for the next part of our Fall Author Speaker Series as Sara Dant presents her book, Losing Eden: An Environmental History of the American West, which discusses how this area has long been a region of hope and renewal. Even in today's changing world, the West perseveres.
The talk will take place on Sunday, September 27th at 2:00 PM in the amphitheater at the Visitor Information Center. It is located at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.