Prehistoric tribes chipped more than 1,500 petroglyphs into the rock at this
site in the Hedgpeth Hills (I-17 Deer Valley Road Exit 215B, then west 2.5
miles, keeping right at the signed fork, 623/582-8007,
www.asu.edu/clas/anthropology/dvrac,
noon-5 p.m. Sun. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., Oct.-April, then noon-5 p.m.
Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tues.-Fri., and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., May-Sept., $5 adults, $3
seniors and students, $2 children 6-12). Scholars believe that prehistoric
tribes created the images over several periods between about 5000 B.C. and A.D.
1400. Interpretive displays in the visitor center help you gain an appreciation
for the rock art from the perspectives of researchers, Native Americans,
physical scientists, and archaeologists. An easy quarter-mile trail leads to
viewpoints where you can see many of the petroglyphs in their natural settings.
(The three boulders at trail marker #2, however, come from another location.)
Bring or rent binoculars from the visitor center to get a better look at the
rock art. Signs along the wheelchair-accessible path identify local desert
plants.
Kids can go on a scavenger hunt, make
their own rock art, and practice drawing. Special events include field trips,
lectures, workshops, and children's programs. The Glyph Shop sells attractive
Southwestern gifts, jewelry, and books. The trail and gift shop close half an
hour earlier than the museum. Guided tours go at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and
Thursdays and at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Oct.-April; they can also be arranged
with advance notice.