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Surrounded by encroaching housing developments, the Rock Art Center is an amazing collection of over 1500 petroglyphs, of which more than a hundred are visible from the path.  The short dirt trail is totally handicap accessible making this an easy and enjoyable outing for everyone.  The visitor's center has a small gift shop and several educational exhibits, including a short video to introduce visitors to the center.  The center was developed by a consortium of governmental agencies and is now managed by Arizona State University.

The petroglyphs at this site are believed to be between 700 to over 10,000 years old.  The older 'glyphs are very faint as they have nearly been filled in by the return of the desert varnish.  Their nearly invisible condition renders them virtually impossible to see or photograph in direct sunlight.   As a result, it is best to schedule your visit for the very late afternoon, after the sun has traveled behind the hillside next to the trail.

The Center is a fee area, with adult prices in the $4.00 each range.  The staff is predominately volunteer and they are a friendly, helpful group.  After I inquired about approval for posting my photos on this site, I was given "red carpet treatment" by the staff - heady stuff for this lowly amateur!  The day's ranger, whose name is "Bear", took me off the trail to view one panel while it was still in the direct sun-light.  I could see only one set of concentric circles.  Later, upon returning to the spot after the shadow of the hill had fully covered the panel, I was able to see a multitude of 'glyphs - the shadow of the hill does make a big difference in the number of petroglyphs you will be able to see.

In talking with Bear, I got the distinct impression that the "rattle-snake habitat" sign was there for a very real reason, he was very careful as he led me away from the trail.  Bring binoculars, heed the signs and enjoy!

Trekker