Petroglyphs are designs made by carving or scratching away the dark layer of rock varnish on a rock’s surface to reveal the lighter rock underneath. Petroglyphs are different from Pictographs. Pictographs are actually painted on the rocks.
The petroglyphs in Arizona were made by native peoples who originally inhabited the area. There are those who think they know what the petroglyphs mean, but I have experienced that there are many interpretations for the pictures and symbols you will see and only the person who originally scratched the art into the rocks knows for sure.
Rock Art Ranch- A private ranch located near Winslow, AZ is the absolute best place to see some fascinating petroglyphs. Rock Art Ranch is a private ranch with a museum collection and access to a canyon filled with amazing petroglyphs. Rock Art Canyon is a deep canyon with a stream running through it. On the rock walls are impressive ancestral petroglyphs. Mr. Baird has built stairs down into the canyon and, on the rim, an observation station where you can rest or have a picnic meal. Contact information for Rock Art Ranch
Dawa Park on the Hopi Mesas - This is my second favorite place to see petroglyphs. You'll need a local guide to see the amazing Dawa Park. You can go there with a Hopi guide such as Ray Coin. Believed to be the second-largest concentration of petroglyphs in the country, Dawa Park may have up to 15,000 sandstone carvings. This is an amazing site but you must have a permit or a guide!
White Tank Mountain Regional Preserve - Located in the west valley of Phoenix, the White Tank park is a great draw for hikers and, in the spring, wildflower hunters. But, if you look along Waterfall Trail or in other areas where there is dark rock varnish, you'll see evidence of the people who inhabited the area way before it became farm land or, currently, land used for homes. The Waterfall Trail will provide you with a 1.0 mile round trip hike through one of the largest and most concentrated collections of Hohokam petroglyphs in the Valley White Tank Mountain Park.
Hieroglyphic Trail - The Hieroglyphic Trail is located on the southwest corner of the Valley . You will begin the hike at the Lost Gold Mine Trail sign and head straight up. It's not a difficult climb but the views are marvelous. Your short hike will take you to a spring and the clear water pools in the rocks. In winter there is usually water. Across the pools, on the other side you will see some petroglyphs. Finding the Hieroglyphic Trail.
Deer Valley Rock Art Center - The museum is located at 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, approximately 2 miles north of Highway 101 and 2 miles west of I-17. There are trails to the rock art. What you will see. Visiting Deer Valley Rock Art Center.
V-Bar-V Heritage Site - Located in Sedona, this site is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, as well as being one of the best-preserved. A visitor center and bookstore, operated by the Forest Service and the Arizona Natural History Association, is located about 100 yards from the parking area. You can take a guided tour while there to learn more about the petroglyphs. V-Bar-V Website.
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site - Located on BLM land, this site, approximately 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona, provides visitors the opportunity to view an ancient archaeological site containing hundreds of symbolic and artistic petroglyphs. More on Painted Rock Petroglyph Site
Picacho Mountain - There are a significant cluster of petroglyphs located in the Picacho Mountains. This site has hiking maps and information on accessing them. Picacho Mountain Petroglyph Sites
How to Add a Site
If you have a favorite Arizona petroglyph site you would like added to our list, please e-mail Liz.
More Information
The Rock Art Foundation
Petroglyphs.us site
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