Petroglyph National Monument

10/20/2026

Author talk: Haunted New Mexico by Christine Rogel

Saturday, Oct 24 at 2:00 PM

Christine Rogel will discuss her book, Haunted New Mexico, including the research and experiences behind compiling this group of stories. A great read for October, her work showcases the mystical quality of the state of New Mexico and challenges what is real and imaginary.

This talk will take place at the Visitor Information Center located at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

10/13/2026

Come and experience a live traditional Spanish flamenco performance by Spanish Broom at the Visitor Information Center's amphitheater on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00 PM. Bring a seat cushion for comfort.

10/06/2026

Looking for a hike to do this weekend?

Join park volunteer James Platt on Saturday, October 10th at 9:00 AM for a hike focusing on the history, geology, and petroglyphs along the 2.2 mile loop trail at Rinconada Canyon. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes.

This hike will meet at the Rinconada Canyon trailhead located at 3701 Unser Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

NPS Photo

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

10/01/2026

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta begins this Saturday (10/3)! It will last through Sunday, October 11th. Expect high visitation at the monument during this time.

On weekends during this time join us on the Visitor Information Center's patio for special cultural demonstrations.

On Saturday and Sunday, 10/3 & 4 from 10 am to 4 pm: Stephanie Zuni from Isleta Pueblo will be selling her original pottery pieces as well as demonstrating this traditional craft.

Saturday and Sunday, 10/10 & 11 from 10 am to 4 pm: Michael Kanteena from Laguna Pueblo will demonstrate how he makes black-on-white pre-Columbian Mimbres pottery reproductions.

NPS Photo

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/22/2026

Join us for the next part of our Fall Author Speaker Series as Sara Dant presents her book, Losing Eden: An Environmental History of the American West, which discusses how this area has long been a region of hope and renewal. Even in today's changing world, the West perseveres.
The talk will take place on Sunday, September 27th at 2:00 PM in the amphitheater at the Visitor Information Center. It is located at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

09/15/2026

Experience a live flamenco performance by Spanish Broom this Saturday, September 19th at the Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center. This traditional Spanish dance with live music will begin at 4 PM.

The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

NPS Photo / Dan Leifheit

09/11/2026

Looking for something cool to do this weekend (9/12-13)? Head on over to El Morro National Monument for their U.S. Camel Corps Commemoration.

El Morro is located at 89 Monument Dr, Bluewater, NM 87005

El Morro Celebrates All Things Camels, September 12 & 13, 2026!

Want to find out why camels are so cool? Swing by and learn all about camels and the U.S. Army Camel Corps from the 1850s! But in the meantime, here's a fun camel fact to get you started:

It's a hot day today, so put on your fur coat and be cool like a camel. Not only does fur on camels keep the animals warm in cold weather, but their fur also helps to keep them cool on hot sunny days, too.

Camel fur is a thermoregulatory system. The fur acts as an insulating barrier, trapping a layer of air close to the camel’s skin. This trapped air slows down the transfer of outside heat, protecting the camel from daytime sun and preventing too much heat from the air. All of this helps the camel to be cool.

The fur coat also helps with moisture retention, reducing water loss from the skin. The fur limits direct exposure to dry air, thereby conserving body water.

So, under the summer sun, camels are pretty cool!

Photo Credit: NPS Photo / Pattie Reed

09/08/2026

Fall Author Speaker Series: Dan Flores

Sunday, September 13th at 2:00 PM

Dan Flores will present his book, Coyote America, which tells the story of an animal that has been a storied, charismatic character in the Pleistocene West, the Native West, and modern America. Coyotes have experienced a roller-coaster biography, seen as a sacred deity in one phase and a varmint meriting entire eradication in another.

His talk with be outside on the shaded patio at the Information Center.

The address for the Information Center is 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

09/01/2026

Come join us for a hike on Thursdays and Saturdays in September. Thursday volunteer led hikes will take place at Piedras Marcadas Canyon on 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, and 9/24 at 5:00pm. Saturday volunteer led hikes will take place at Rinconada Canyon on 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, and 9/26 at 9:00am.

Bring plenty of water with you. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes with good ankle support. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary for petroglyph-viewing.

NPS Photo / Daniel Leifheit

08/27/2026

Help us celebrate National Junior Ranger Day!

Come to the Petroglyph National Monument Information Center on Sunday, August 30th to become a Junior Ranger! There will be several Junior Ranger booklets to choose from, each with their own badges or awards. Learn about the park and participate in fun crafts. Event will be outside on the patio from 9-12. You may pick up or turn in Junior Ranger booklets any time during the day.

The information center is located at 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.