Petroglyphs National Monument Volcanoes Trail

So, what did you do last Sunday? Us? We hiked around dormant volcanoes, that’s all. Sometimes I really have to stop and take account of just how unique and event filled our lives are. Yes. Last Sunday we went to the Petroglyphs National Monument Volcanoes Trail just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the western edge of Albuquerque, you will find the Petroglyphs National Monument. This national monument is more akin to a national park. It has multiple trails that take you into canyons to show you petroglyphs. However, on the far west side of the national monument, you will find three cinder cones. They are known as the Three Sisters.

The Three Sisters were formed over 100,000 years ago. A crack in the Earth’s surface formed that was about 5 miles long and a few miles deep. It ran parallel to the Rio Grande River in the Rio Grande Valley. Magma spewed up out of the fissure and lava rolled towards the Rio Grand River. As the lava cooled, it began to block the fissure’s opening until only 3 remained. Ash, cinder and lava came up out of these openings and formed the cinder cones known as the Three Sisters.

You can get to the Three Sisters by taking I-40 West from Albuquerque and taking exit 149. From there you will head north for a few miles and the entrance will be on the right. To visit and park here is completely free. However, the area is only open from 9am to 5pm, unlike many other national parks and monuments that are either sun up to sun down or 24 hours. Additionally, do not leave valuables in your vehicle or, at least, hide them. The area seems to be known for property crime. We parked there for a few hours and we had zero issues.

The trail head has two restrooms (non-flush style). There is no water, so, bring some. Heed that last statement. You are in a desert climate. Bring water. There are 3 trails that you can take around the Three Sisters. The first trail takes you about 1/2 a mile to the JA Volcano. At the base of this one, there is a place called the Scenic Overlook. For beginners or physically challenged people, this will be your overlook. Please notice, you cannot climb JA Volcano.

The next leg of the trail is just under 1/2 a mile. It is called Black Volcano. This trail will take you higher in elevation. And, you can take a narrow and rocky trail to the top of it. The view, in my opinion, is the best from the top of Black Volcano. You can see all of Albuquerque as well as the entire Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains. The trail leads to a dead-end at the top, so you must go back the same way you came.

Leaving Black Volcano you will traverse to the largest and tallest volcano called Vulcan. It is about 3/4 to 1 mile to get there. The trail takes you around the front of Vulcan and to its furthest side (northern). From there, the trail takes a 90 degree turn and you head straight up and over Vulcan. This is steeper than the ascension of Black Volcano and has looser rocks. The NPS rates this as moderately strenuous. Most healthy kids and adults can climb this trail.

At the top of Vulcan, even though it is the highest, you cannot see as far south a you can on Black Volcano. However, you can definitely see for miles and miles north and west. You can look over an area called Rio Rancho, which is adjacent to Albuquerque’s northern border.

You will walk along the top of Vulcan and descend down the western side. This trail is much more gradual than the eastern face. From here you will walk through desert fields and see a great many types of desert flora with some desert fauna. As we were walking, there were cacti in bloom as well as some other flowers we did not know the names of.

The total hike, round trip, was between 2.5 and 3 miles long. It gave us a little challenge. But, for the most part it was leisurely and we enjoyed our Sunday out hiking volcanic cinder cones. If you dig volcanoes or want to get one of the best free views of Albuquerque, take a trip to the Volcanoes Day Use Area at the Petroglyphs National Monument. Safe Travels.