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Submission
The Three Rivers Petroglyphs are outstanding examples of prehistoric Jornada Mogollon rock art. The basaltic ridge rising above the Three Rivers Valley contains over 21,000 petroglyphs, including masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints, and geometric designs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs make this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest. A rugged 0.5-mile trail begins at the visitor shelter and links many of the most interesting petroglyphs. Another short trail begins on the east side of the picnic area and leads to a partially excavated prehistoric village.
The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyphs sites in the Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico's northern Chihuahuan Desert. The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 900 and 1400 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock. A small pueblo ruin is nearby and Sierra Blanca towers above to the east. A detailed petroglyph guide is available at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.
The site is located 17 miles north of Tularosa, NM, and 28 miles south of Carrizozo, NM on U.S. 54.
Turn east from U.S. 54 at Three Rivers onto County Road B30 and travel five miles on paved road, following signs.
I wasn’t sure if this was just a “handful of petroglyphs you see from a ways off” but the short ~1mi hike takes you in and amongst a wide variety of rock carvings. Some are very elaborate and others quite simple, but the experience of hiking along and sleuthing out what a particular carving meant was a lot of fun.
Great views, friendly visitor center experience, some shade for parking (if you are there early). No dogs allowed on any trail - just on-leash in the parking lot.
The second trail to the excavated houses was okay - not a lot to see, but it doesn’t take a lot of time. Even in October the area is hot, so choose your time to visit wisely.
Your America the Beautiful pass gets you in free for the day. Otherwise I think it was $7/car.
