Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is an archaeological site in Phoenix with thousands of ancient rock carvings on basalt boulders spread across desert terrain. A walking path guides visitors through the area past the various carved patterns and symbols left by earlier inhabitants.

The rock carvings come from several different groups of people who lived in this region over many hundreds of years and left their marks behind. The site was scientifically studied in the 1980s and later protected as a preserve to keep these archaeological findings safe for the future.

The rock carvings show symbols and patterns left by the people who lived here and recorded their lives in stone. Visitors can see different carving styles today and understand how important these marks were to the communities that inhabited this desert area.

The best way to explore the area is via the short walking path that takes visitors past the main rock carvings. Plan for a half day or less and bring plenty of water, as the desert setting can be hotter and drier than expected.

Researchers use modern technology to digitally document the rock carvings and preserve their significance for future generations. This technical work helps scientists better understand the patterns and symbols and discover new details that are not immediately visible to the naked eye.