Few People Know There’s An Outdoor Petroglyph Museum Hidden In The Sonoran Desert In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 21, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are no shortage of opportunities to see petroglyphs in Arizona. Perhaps the most remarkable petroglyph site in the entire state is Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, located in the Deer Valley area of Phoenix. Managed by ASU, the site boasts over 1,500 rock drawings created anywhere between 500 and 5,000 years ago. It’s such an incredible way to learn about the history of the area!
Ancient petroglyphs can be found all across Arizona, but none of the sites compare to Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve.
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this 47-acre hidden gem preserves the largest concentration of Indigenous petroglyphs in the Phoenix Valley.
Visitors embark on a quarter-mile, self-guided nature trail to view the rock art. You can go at your own pace, and there's even an audio tour to accompany you during your walk.
You'll know you have arrived when you come upon a series of large rock piles, known as the Hedgpeth Hills. These formidable boulders formed between six and 10 million years ago, when the Earth's tectonic plates started to shift and expand.
Look closely and you'll see over 1,500 well-preserved petroglyphs carved into the rock faces. It's estimated that the drawings are anywhere from 500 to 5,000 years old.
The Hohokam, Patayan, and Archaic peoples are all responsible for the rock art. Some of the images are singular, such as this spiral that has been found all over the world ...
The museum continues indoors, with rotating and permanent displays detailing various aspects of life for the ancient peoples who called this region home. You'll see original artifacts, photos, and other items that make for an educational and fascinating visit.
Visit the preserve’s website or Facebook page for more information, including current hours.
Have you ever visited the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Interested in more petroglyphs in Arizona? Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another incredible site.
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