Petroglyph National Monument Surprise

We returned to ABQ to get the back window of the Airstream replaced but we also took advantage of the big city to give the Benz some attention. At the recommendation of the Mercedes Dealer in Flagstaff, we came to a "bigger" dealer in ABQ to get a second opinion. Our appointment was at noon, (everything is good - we're doing all the "right stuff") and that left us some time to visit Petroglyph National Monument for a short hike.

On the west side of Albuquerque are more than 20,000 petroglyphs carved by Ancestral Puebloans. One hiking trail winds through Piedras Marcadas Canyon which means - canyon of marked rocks - where the densest concentration of petroglyphs along the Monument's 17-mile escarpment, with an estimated 5,000 of the monument's total 20,000.

Our first stop was the Visitor's Center where this friendly person was dispensing helpful information. We asked him about hiking and he gave us detailed information. As he finished, Frederick said, "Thank you, and can you tell me where you went to grammar school?" A little taken aback, he answered, "Oh, way over in California." Frederick stuck out his hand and said, "It's good to see you again, I'm one of your classmates." Surprised sounds from me and everyone standing around!!

Yes, it turns out that Lance Chilton and Frederick were in the same class in Orinda, CA, and they were able to reminisce about favorite teachers and other classmates. It was a real Rhode Island story!

After leaving the VC we headed out along the volcanic escarpment to view the petroglyphs.

The trail was soft sand, definitely not our favorite surface, and it was over 80 degrees - hot enough for me!

On the way back to the trailhead we could see the Sandia Mountains to the east with ABQ at the base of the mountains.

Today's hike:

Length - 1.97 miles

Duration - 1 hour, 14 minutes (including petroglyph finding and viewing)

Elevation gain - 100 feet (10 floors on the Fitbit)