Sometimes the best things in life are hidden away from prying eyes or on rugged dirt roads miles from a highway. If you enjoy searching for hidden gems around the state – the little places that few other Arizonans are willing to travel to – then you’re in luck! Today we’re going to check out one fantastic place tucked away in the desert off a few quiet roads. Let’s take a look!

This is Painted Rock Petroglyph Site, a quiet little spot hiding in the Sonoran Desert among agricultural fields.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
It just happens to be home to hundreds of ancient petroglyphs.
The area is located about 12.5 miles west of Gila Bend (or 90 miles southwest of Phoenix) via Interstate 10 and a small two-lane road.
Google Maps
There is also is a campground and a small picnic area here - perfect for having a quick lunch before heading out on your adventure or back on the road home.
Pull into a parking spot, pay the $2 fee to access the area and walk the short, well-maintained trail loop that will take you around the rocky hill that contains the petroglyphs.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
You'll find signs along the trail that offer information about the petroglyphs. Some of the petroglyphs here are thousands of years old, while others were created more recently (they're still hundreds of years old), but they're all amazing to see.

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Trevor Huxham/Flickr
You can expect to spend up to an hour at the site, but we have a few suggestions before you head out here.
First, don't forget to watch your step, especially this time of year!
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
All kinds of animals are out and about now that the temperatures are warming up, so be sure to keep an eye out for snakes, coyotes, and other potentially dangerous creatures.
Second, make sure you bring plenty of water and slather on the sunscreen before heading out here.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Finally, always practice the Leave No Trace principles, especially when visiting a historic site like this. We want to preserve this area for future generations to enjoy!

Painted Rock Petroglyph Site is located about 12.5 miles west of Gila Bend via Interstate 10. You can find driving directions at this Google Maps link and details about the site on the Bureau of Land Management website.

If you love Arizona’s incredible petroglyph sites, you should definitely explore the Superstition Wilderness near Gold Canyon; the Hieroglyphic Trail leads to an incredible archeological treasure!

Don’t forget to snap some photos of your adventures! Tag us on Instagram (@only_in_arizona) using #OnlyInAZ2018 or share your photos in our Arizona Nature Lovers group on Facebook for a chance to see your photos featured!

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