La Cienequilla Petroglyphs

Hundreds of petroglyphs, dating from pre-contact time and the Spanish colonial era, can be found along this mesa above the Santa Fe River. Most of the petroglyphs were placed there by Keresan-speaking puebloan people living in the area between the 13th and 17th centuries. The descendants of these people now live down the Santa Fe River along the Rio Grande at the Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos.  The area is known for the great number of hump-backed flute player images and a great variety of bird figures. The site is also of interest to those tracing the route of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, as the ancient road passed along here as well.  This short trail provides its hikers a glimpse into the past as well as gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The petroglyphs trail is a 1 mile loop that start at the parking lot as a dirt path and then leads into the rocks that need to be climbed through or over. Little wooden posts with white arrows helps direct the way to the start of the rock path. It is easier to go up the right side of the trail and down the left side of the loop.