Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

See over a thousand ancient petroglyphs on the basalt boulders in Deer Valley, Arizona.

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve encompasses 47 acres and has a visitor center with displays full of historical artifacts. The museum galleries are a great place to learn about the Indigenous peoples that have traveled through the area, as well as the cutting-edge research on Southwest archaeology. Outside, you can see the petroglyphs along a quarter-mile walk along with native desert plants, geological formations, and wildlife. The site is administrated by the Arizona State University and has been protected and preserved since 1994.

Over 1,500 Western Archaic, Hohokam, and Patayan petroglyphs are displayed on the boulders at this nature preserve, and they're estimated to be between 500 and 5,000 years old. The trail is lined with kiosks and information along the way so visitors can leave with plenty of new and fascinating insight about these ancient creations. There is a shaded bench about half way along the trail so guests can take a rest and enjoy the view, as well. Numerous petroglyphs near the end of the trail are loaded with images, so you'll definitely want to go around the whole trail! All ages can enjoy these ancient petroglyphs, so don't hesitate to add the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve to your Arizona itinerary.