Taylor Ranch in Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Desert Varnish - Cliff Base Trail
Boca Negra Canyon
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 26, 2021
1. Desert Varnish - Cliff Base Trail Marker
Boca Negra Canyon
Cliff Base Trail
The boulder on your left is a good example of desert varnish, the darkening of the rock's surface in response to natural elements. Over the years the exposed surface of basalt darkens in color due to precipitation, extreme temperatures, airborne particles, and action by microorganisms, which together cause the metals and minerals to oxidize or rust. The Ancestral Puebloans made petroglyphs by using stone tools to remove the thin layer of desert varnish in order to reveal the lighter interior of the rock.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 35° 9.705′ N, 106° 43.148′ W. Marker is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County. It is in Taylor Ranch. It can be reached from Cliff Base Trail east of Atrisco Drive NW. The marker is along the Cliff Base Trail at Boca Negra Canyon. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Albuquerque NM 87120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rio Grande Style - Cliff Base Trail (here, next to this marker); Petroglyph Placement - Cliff Base Trail (a few steps from this marker); Protection of Petroglyphs - Cliff Base Trail
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Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 26, 2021
2. Desert Varnish - Cliff Base Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
