Pictographs and petroglyphs are some of the Southwest's hidden gems. Scattered around, you can find some of the most incredible rock art created by ancient peoples of this region.
The Hohokam people occupied Southern Arizona over a thousand years ago and left behind their artwork of chiseled and painted rock facades. This rock art is often found in open spaces at springs, hilltops, or areas with expansive views along ancient trails. On this tour, you get to walk along the ritually and spiritually significant spots for the ancient people while viewing some of their masterpieces.
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The ancient people of the Southwest created two categories of rock art — petroglyphs and pictographs. So, what’s the difference?
Petroglyphs are images created on rock surface layers by chiseling, pecking, and grinding the image to create a slightly indented design. Many of these designs include large mammals or birds. This type of rock art is more common because it lasts for millennia.
Pictographs use techniques where color is added to the rocks to create images, such as zigzag lines, circles, and dots. It’s less common to spot pictographs because exposed sunlight and other weather forces erase them from the rocks.
Having a guide who knows where the remaining pictographs are across the Southwest allows you to get close to art dating back several thousand years.
Duration
TBD
Group size
6 - 12
Itinerary
Hike through ancient sites of the Hohokam people who inhabited Southern Arizona over 1,000 years ago. During your hike, you’ll learn about how they were one of the longest-lasting civilizations in North America by examining remnants of their communities and cultures.
Encounter rock art sites across the Southwest region, guided by knowledgeable hikers and historians. This tour is ideal for small and large groups, including conferences, visitors, and small groups.
Choose one or all of these tours for your next pictograph and petroglyph hiking trip.
- Tour One
Petroglyphs and Pottery
- Tour Two
King Canyon Petroglyphs
- Tour Three
Signal Hill Petroglyph site and Cocoraque Butte
- Tour Four
North Rim
Moderate / Strenuous HikingChoose your own adventure! Pull together one or all of these hiking tours to see as many petroglyphs and pictographs as you can across the Southern Arizona landscape. |
“On their wilderness outings, Southwest Discoveries is very inclusive. They have mastered the art of bringing people to areas that are both beautiful and difficult to access. They organize trips that range from day-hikes up to backpack trips for over a week. Their guides are kind, assertive, and work toward creating comradely and unity in the group which brings back hikers to successive trips. It also creates a community of citizens who work to protect our wild lands. I highly recommend Southwest Discoveries for any wilderness type of experience, from short day-hikes to backpacking trips.â€
Get Personal With the Past
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Explore the Southwest through a historical lens. Hike up to the pictographs and petroglyphs of the past while learning about the people who drew them on stone.
Each one of our tours is slightly different, so you’re always in for a new experience alongside our expert guides. Intrigued?