Ancient rock art sites are hiding all over Arizona, but this one is among the least-known (and most well-preserved) of all. Deep within the vast desert landscape of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, you’ll find the Maze Rock Art Site and the Maze Trail, a 1.4-mile hike that leads to a sandstone slab riddled with ancient petroglyphs. Created by the Anasazi people up to 700 years ago, one of these pictures resembles a labyrinth whose twists and turns would render it impossible to escape from. Nobody knows for sure what the mysterious drawing is supposed to represent, but it sure is fascinating to behold.

Tucked away in the remote, uncharted landscape of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, the Maze Rock Art Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich Native American history of the area.
Germaine Neumann/AllTrails
Most people don't even know the site exists and stumble upon it accidentally en route to another nearby hike like Paw Hole or Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass.
At just 1.4 miles round-trip, the out-and-back trail is short enough to fit into an already stacked itinerary.
Lisa Delfiner Parsons/AllTrails
The hike is rated as moderate on AllTrails, starting off relatively flat before embarking on a gradual ascent.
Wide-open desert transforms into rocky canyonlands before your eyes - a remarkable feat considering the entire hike can be done and dusted in just about a half-hour.
Lisa Delfiner Parsons/AllTrails
An elevation gain of just over 200 feet means that instead of using all your energy to climb, you can just focus on admiring the rapidly changing terrain.

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Upon reaching the top, you'll realize how far away from civilization you truly are.
Lisa Delfiner Parsons/AllTrails
It's so quiet, you could hear a pin drop, and the undulating peaks of the Coyote Buttes North extend far as the eye can see into the distance - and the main attraction is yet to come!
The trail's namesake is a giant slab of rock riddled with some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs in Arizona.
Rex Kuhn/AllTrails
It's impossible to miss, so just stay on the path and trust you're headed in the right direction.
If you look in the top left-hand corner, you'll see one particular marking that stands out from all the rest.
Lisa Delfiner Parsons/AllTrails
The small picture is the work of the Anasazi people, and it's thought to have originated sometime between 850 and 1300 A.D.
Either before or after your hike, stop by the informational kiosk to learn more about the history of the area.
Lisa Delfiner Parsons/AllTrails
You'll undoubtedly leave with a greater appreciation for our state and the people who once inhabited it.

Take a look at the Maze Rock Art Site in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in this video from That Adventure Life:

For up-to-date information about this trail, or any trail, try out AllTrails+.

Have you ever hiked to this unique petroglyph site in Vermillion Cliffs? If so, tell us all about your adventure in the comments section! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another place in Arizona where you can see ancient rock art.

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More to Explore

Places to go hiking in Arizona

Chris Muras | July 15, 2023

What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona?

If you enjoy a hot desert hike with interesting rock formations, cool canyons, and surprising flowering cacti, Arizona hiking is for you. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona to explore:

  • Devil's Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ: If you enjoy amazing natural bridges, this trail in the Coconino National Forest has a spectacular one. The Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. It is six feet wide and 50 feet long.
  • Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, AZ: Another iconic rock formation in the same area is Cathedral Rock. It is a short trail but can be a bit strenuous. The reward, however, is well worth the effort.
  • Echo Canyon Trail, Phoenix, AZ: Hiking the Camelback Mountain is a sight to behold as the sun sets against the jagged rock. And the aptly named Paradise Valley is a popular scenic spot to enjoy Phoenix from a whole new perspective. The trail itself is about two and a half miles and is a fairly easy hike - even if the Arizona sun can make any hike a bit more challenging.
  • Horseshoe Bend Trail, Page, AZ: This is another iconic trail and scenic area in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Colorado River bends around a towering rock formation in a deep valley carved from the earth millions of years ago. The hike is easy but the rewards are huge - a win-win.

 

We have plenty more Arizona hiking trails where this came from. Check out our ultimate guide to hiking in Arizona for more information about these trails and many more before you hit the trails.

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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA