Petroglyph Galleries and Ancient Occupation

Instructor: William Reitze

Petrified Forest National Park is home to many ancient people dating back 13,000 years, as evidenced by the remains of their homes, tools, pottery and art. The most enduring signs of prehistoric occupation are the drawings and symbols left behind on the rock faces. These record their presence on the landscape.

By examining prehistoric images people carved, pecked and painted onto the rock, archaeologists can study an important aspect of how people lived and moved through this area. Life and survival studied through the echoes of time has much to teach us about the human journey.

Join park archaeologists in a guided tour of these fantastic petroglyph galleries for an immersive day of appreciation and interpretation of these ancient messages.

Meet at the Painted Desert Visitor Center at 8:00 am for orientation and a tour of the park’s artifacts collection before carpooling out into the park to look back into time at these remarkable galleries and contemplate the impressions left by prehistoric peoples.

We will end our tour around 4:00 pm and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the other fascinating histories of the park.

Schedule

• 8:00 AM – Meet at the Painted Desert Visitor Center
• 4:00 PM – Class ends; you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the park

Cost:

• $119 – Non-Member
• $100 – Member

Registration Form

Class Notes

Field tours involve short hikes in remote areas with uneven terrain. There is no shade in these areas. Be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, insect spray, sturdy shoes, a light daypack with at least 2 liters of water per person and snacks, and a light jacket (July and August are typical monsoon months and rain is always possible). Transportation from the Visitor Center to the petroglyph panels will be provided.

Maximum number of participants: 12
Minimum age of participants: 10 (must be accompanied by parent or guardian)