The Ancient Mesa Where Native Americans Carved 24,000 Images into Black Volcanic Rock

The Petroglyph National Monument

Albuquerque’s Petroglyph National Monument houses 24,000 rock carvings spread across a chunk of desert bigger than 5,000 football fields.

From alien conspiracy theories to actual ancient history, here’s what makes this place worth the trip.

They’re a Language on their Own

Native Americans carved them to mark their land, record events, and express spiritual beliefs. Some carvings showed practical information – zigzag patterns meant water was nearby, while jagged lines warned of dangerous areas.

Today’s Pueblo elders can still read many of these symbols, though some meanings remain sacred secrets.

We’re Still Not Sure How Old They Are

While most date from 400-700 years ago, some may be much older. The oldest carvings show different designs and deeper weathering, possibly dating to 1800-800 BCE.

Native American oral histories suggest even greater age for some images. The monument likely contains artwork from multiple time periods, making exact dating difficult.

Native American oral histories suggest even greater age for some images. The monument likely contains artwork from multiple time periods, making exact dating difficult.

The Black Volcanic Rocks Were the Perfect “Paper”

The monument’s black rocks formed 150,000 years ago when the JA volcano erupted. Five extinct volcanoes still stand 600 feet high above the landscape. The rocks have a dark coating of iron and manganese that made them perfect for carving.

Some Petroglyphs Have Celestial Connections

Researchers identified star charts in the carvings, including one showing the Pleiades constellation from 1250 CE. One design at Piedras Marcadas creates a special light pattern during the winter solstice. Scientists have also found 43 sun markers and 12 moon alignment petroglyphs.

New Petroglyphs Are Still Being Discovered

New technology revealed 342 previously hidden petroglyphs in 2020 via special imaging. More interestingly, some petroglyphs only appear during specific moon phases or sun positions.

Researchers are creating 3D maps of these newly found images. This discovery suggests the monument may contain 15-20% more artwork than previously known.

The UFO Theory

There are 23 unusual carvings at Piedras Marcadas Canyon. These show figures with large oval heads, almond eyes, and thin bodies. Totally different from typical human images at the site.

According to UFO enthusiasts these spiral designs might be spacecraft landing sites worldwide.

The Weather is a Serious Threat

Rising temperatures speed up rock deterioration, and flash floods now happen about 7 times yearly compared to 4 times in the 1980s.

Rock slides damaged 17 petroglyphs in 2018 alone. Park officials have installed protective coatings and water barriers. Sadly, scientists say that 30% of petroglyphs could disappear within 100 years if current climate trends continue.

Vandals Continue Defacing the Petroglyphs

Despite surveillance cameras, vandalism continues, with 28 cases in 2023. Some visitors damage petroglyphs by touching them or using chalk to make them more visible.

Not Everyone Agrees How to Manage Them

Different groups disagree about how to manage the petroglyphs. Local tribes object to how tourist information presents their sacred images.

Debates continue about access to certain areas, especially Piedras Marcadas Canyon. A recent incident where a photographer used petroglyphs for fashion shoots led to fines and questions about protecting the site.