Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site

Castle Gardens is an archaeological site featuring rock carvings on sandstone cliffs shaped like towers and castle walls spread across a large landscape. The artwork was carved directly into the vertical rock faces and forms a significant collection of ancient designs.

The rock carvings were created between the 10th and 13th centuries by people connected to Navajo and Apache cultures. The site was listed in the National Register in 1969, making it an officially protected archaeological location.

The rock carvings display shields, turtles, and animal figures that reflect how people expressed themselves through stone art. Walking through the site, you notice how these designs were placed on the cliff faces as if telling stories about the natural world and daily life.

Reaching the site requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle because access roads are unpaved and rough in many sections. Allow extra time for the drive, as the routes from nearby towns cover considerable distance.

The shield designs found here display carving methods and patterns that differ clearly from rock art at other locations. These particular motifs make the landscape a scientifically important place for researchers and those studying ancient art.

Location: Fremont County

GPS coordinates: 42.92930,-107.61370

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46