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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts off at the base of the mesa. Once you begin the hike the trail climbs rapidly as you weave through boulders and switchbacks. From the beginning you can see petroglyphs dotted throughout the hike next to the trail There are informational signs to read along the way which explains certain details of the petroglyphs, the people who created them, and the surrounding area. A side trail summits the mesa where you get a 360 degree panoramic view. To the west are several extinct volcanoes while to the east is the Rio Grande River with the Sandia mountains rising abruptly past the river. For a relaxing hike give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the petroglyphs and the views. This hike can get pretty steep in sections even though most of it is paved. For children (3 and under) it is very challenging. Be sure to check out the other 2 shorter trails in the Boca Negra Canyon. While shorter (between 5-15 minutes) it is worth it. Trailhead: The park visitor center is located on Unser Blvd., 3 miles north of I-40 at the intersection of Unser Blvd. and Western Trail Road. Boca Negra Canyon is located just north of Montano Road at 6900 Unser Blvd. NW. The hours are 8 AM to 5 PM. From the visitor center turn left (north) onto Unser Blvd. and drive north for about 2 miles until you see the entrance on your right to Boca Negra Canyon. There is a ranger station at the entrance where you will pay a free (well worth it) of $1 on the weekdays and $2 on the weekends. The road loops around and take the right fork to the parking area. It's easy and there's no way to miss it. The road then continues to loop around and you're back at the entrance / exit at the ranger station. (Lat:35.16122 Lon:-106.71989) Trail Guides for Mesa Point Trail: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Petroglyph National Monument - (505) 899-0205 - www.nps.gov/petr Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Benesh, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by afd on 4/29/2007 I hiked this in early July around noon, not a good time of day & year to do this. The rocks are very dark, making them heat up quickly in summer sunlight & creating a heat oven effect. If hiking this trail in the summer, do it before 10 am if you don't like intense heat. The view of the Sandia Crest from spots on the trail is spectacular. The park visitor center has air conditioning, very pleasant restrooms, many informative displays, gifts & souvenirs. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Bernalillo County Hiking, Bernalillo County Trails, Bernalillo County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
