If you don’t have time to travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico to see the stone arts, there is a much smaller area in the middle of the State where you see some petroglyphs. Visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. The site is located 17 miles north of Tularosa, NM, and 28 miles south of Carrizozo, NM on U.S. 54.
The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyphs sites in the Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert. The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 900 and 1400 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock. A small pueblo ruin is nearby and Sierra Blanca towers above to the east. A detailed petroglyph guide is available at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.
The site offers five shelter sites with picnic tables and cooking grills.
Notes: Restrooms and drinking water are available. Pets are allowed in the campground (on leash), but are not allowed on the trails.
Where to find it.
Address: Country Road B-30, 17 Miles North of Tularosa, NM 88352
Admission Fees.
Day Use (per vehicle): $5
Camping (per campsite) $7
RV Hookup (per campsite): $18
Day Use (Bus): $15
Group Site (per group) $50
Las Cruces District Office Day Use Pass: $30
Season/Hours.
Open year-round.
From April to October, the entrance gate is open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. From October until April, it is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Non-campers must be out by 10:00 p.m. year-round.
Find your way.
Will you travel and see the Three Rivers Petroglyph site?
See more of my New Mexico travels.
See also: My other travel adventures.
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