Visiting the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site Near Gila Bend, Arizona

A visit to the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site near Gila Bend, Arizona, offers an amazing opportunity to view some remarkable rock etchings dating back to pre-historic times. About 800 images are carved into the rocks at the site and some are not pre-historic but have a large amount of history to enjoy as well. Many historical events happened in and around this area including the expedition of Juan Bautista de Anza that founded San Francisco, the Mormon Battalion and the Butterfield Overland Mail.

The petroglyph's were created by pre-historic peoples by chipping away at the basalt boulders covering a granite ledge, they are artistic and symbolic in appearance. Shapes that resemble lizards, deer, people, the sun, and geometric designs all can be identified at this site. During my visit to this historic site I felt awe in realizing that people lived, worked, farmed and played right where I was standing and wondering what that life was like for them. I am always in admiration when caught in that realization where ever I travel; wondering what is was like for the people that came before me.

You will find that hundreds of lizards make the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site their home. We actually had one little guy looking us straight in the eye and following us around! He wasn't afraid of us at all.

Getting There:

The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site is located 90 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Take I-10 W to the I-8 jct. towards Gila Bend. Approximately 12.5 miles west of Gila Bend take exit 102, Painted Rock Dam Rd. Continue on Painted Rock Road 10.7 miles until you reach Rocky Point Rd., travel another .06 miles and you will have reached the petroglyph site.

Facilities:

Facilities include picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire rings, and outhouses. There is also a group meeting center. The facilities do not include potable drinking water and the campsites are very primitive. The loop trail will guide you around the site and informational plaques along the way will help to explain a little about the people who created these fascinating rock etchings.

Fees:

There is a $2 day use parking fee. This is on the honor system, there is a payment box located in the parking lot. $8 fee for overnight camping, there is an onsite campground host from October until April.

Tips:

Bring your camera!

The best time of the year to visit this site is October through April. Daytime temperatures can reach 120 degrees in the summer!

Wear sunblock, sunglasses, lightweight clothing that covers your skin and a hat. Good walking shoes are also recommended.

Bring lots of drinking water; there is no drinking water at the site.

Be respectful of the site and obey the rules. Do not stray off the trail or climb on the rocks. And of course do not vandalize the site.

Watch for rattlesnakes. We did not see any but they are in the area.

Bring a picnic lunch or snacks and enjoy the shaded picnic table area.

Sources:

My own experience and information provided at the site on the informational plaques.