One weekend Ms. Rosemary and I (Ms. Karen) went for a hike in search of the Picture Rocks petroglyphs not far off Picture Rocks Road in the Tucson Mountains. Jim and I had heard about them for 12 years, but we never could pinpoint exactly where they were. Perhaps this has a purpose. Every time we would drive up Picture Rocks road we would look for a sign. There is no sign. Why? This is a good thing for two reasons. (1) They are located on private property. (2) There are marks of vandalism due to their easy accessibility and some people’s disrespect for private property and ancient artifacts. These petroglyphs are over 1500 years old.
We were thrilled to locate these petroglyphs, and I am going to tell you where they are. It’s just that I am going to take you the long way around to find them. It just seems more like a real discovery when you have to hike 4.5 miles to get there. Please be respectful.
Most Tucsonans have heard of, if not seen the petroglyphs that reside in the Saguaro National Park West on Signal Hill. It is a short hike from a nice picnic area (except for seasonal bees) to the site of a spectacular petroglyph, often highlighted in tourist brochures.
The second set of petroglyphs that we were able to find are across from the Desert Museum and up King Canyon wash close to a mile, below the Mah-Ma-Gah picnic area. Head west from where the trail crosses the wash about 40 yards.
Our third find, the Picture Rocks petroglyphs, are located off of a small makeshift parking area (Access Point) just west of the Redemptorist Renewal Center on the south side of the road. This is at the bottom of the hill off Picture Rocks Road in Picture Rocks Wash. Here is a printable map of the trails in Saguaro National Park West and the location of the petroglyphs.
One advantage of taking the trails north along the face of the Tucson Mountains to get to Picture Rocks petroglyphs is to experience this magnificent saguaro forest.
Our hike this day began at the end of Camino del Cerro. There is a parking lot which leads to the trailhead. Going left leads to Sweetwater Trail which climbs to Mt. Wasson. Going right, the Thunderbird Trail heads north through State Trust land along the east face of the Tucson Mountains and a portion of Saguaro National Park land.
We began at Thunderbird Trail. Due to the rains, the path was rocky and at times almost imperceptible as we walked generally north and sometimes west, traversing several steep outcroppings. Except for an occasional house in the distance, this is pristine Sonoran desert and a forest of giant saguaros as your only companions.
Ms. Karen checking her GPS.
I had only come this way once before. At that time, I missed the turn to the petroglyphs and ended up west of them on Picture Rocks Road. This time I came prepared, armed with GPS coordinates. In some ways technology has taken the fun out of mountaineering. You don’t even have to know which directions are East-West or North-South any more. On the other hand, knowing coordinates can save lives. (Picture Rocks petroglyphs are at 32º19’26:63N / 111º7’10:33W).
The area we were hiking in has several trails which head generally north and are surrounded by Golden Gate Road to the West and Picture Rocks Road to the North. Not a lot of chance to get lost for long. Just bring plenty of water.
We started on Thunderbird Trail, then picked up Cactus Canyon Trail going left or West-ish and followed it for a while to Coyote Pass Trail, then Picture Rocks Wash Trail. I believe that on my previous trip, we took Brittlebush Trail to Picture Rocks Wash Trail. Different from 7 years ago, there are now an occasional sign to orient you, although, some paths are not yet marked and some are almost imperceptible.
Ms. Rosemary rests for a minute in Picture Rocks Wash Trail near the petroglyphs.
Heading down Picture Rocks Wash Trail, named such for a now obvious reason, we came across a sign for Ringtail Trail. Taking this was the mistake I made the first time, although there was no sign to tell us so at that time. Continuing down the wash, it narrows a bit and wanders first right, then left. Soon we came across outcroppings with crosses and benches, an old rusted out truck. Now we were close.
The Picture Rocks petroglyphs are on the property of the Redemptorist Renewal Retreat, so please be respectful. The petroglyphs will be to your right or East on an outcropping. You are asked not to climb this wall, so bring a long lens. Along with the rock art you will see, you will also see the work of vandals.
Picture Rocks is also easy to get to even if you are not a hiker. From Silverbell Road, head west on Ina (pronounce :’E’na), then left onto Picture Rocks Road past the Redemptionist Center. At the bottom of the hill, where there are many yellow arrows pointing to a curve in the road. Park in the small area on the left that is the Picture Rocks Wash. Head up the wash, approximately a football field. The rock art will be on your left just past some steps built by the owners. The Redemptorist Renewal Center allows visitors but requests that you check in with the front desk first and please do not climb on the rocks. Here is a printable map of the trails in Saguaro National Park West and the location of the petroglyphs.
