Sears Point Petroglyphs

An Ancient Crossroads

Related campgrounds: Painted Rock Petroglyph

Some of the most impressive petroglyphs lie in a remote section of the southwestern Arizona desert. From Ancient Indians to migrating pioneers, the rock art remains tell the history of civilizations throughout time and our American heritage. Down an unmaintained road off Interstate 8 on BLM land are a number of volcanic basalt outcroppings. Scattered throughout these rocks are thousands of Indian petroglyphs and rock art left by prehistoric civilizations as well as more modern civilizations such as Spanish explorers and missionaries, Mormon pioneers, and travelers on the Butterfield Overland Mail route. The date of some of these markings remains unknown but it is thought that some may date back thousands of years. The Petroglyph styles are thought to be from several cultures - the Western Archaic Tradition, Gila Style (from the Hohokam), and the Patayan Style. Signage at the start of the trail assists in style differences that can aid visitors in identifying the petroglyphs.