Join Bureau of Land Management Archaeologist, Trinity Miller, and Independent Researcher and rock art enthusiast Margaret Berrier, for an interpretive hike at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. Three Rivers has over 21,000 petroglyphs (rock art carvings) that were made by a group of prehistoric Native Americans that archaeologists refer to as the Jornada Mogollon. Three Rivers was inhabited approximately between 200 to 1400 A.D. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here makes this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest. The rock art was made with stone tools by removing the dark patina on the exterior of the rock.
Meet at the Three Rivers parking lot at 10am. The guided hike will begin at the Village Trail (southern trail segment), which is shorter and less strenuous. This trail will take you through the pithouse village archaeology site associated with the petroglyphs. From here, we will continue the hike to the main trail segment, the Petroglyph Trail (approximately 3 miles roundtrip). This northern trail is rugged and follows a basalt escarpment, so expect loose rocks, boulders, and a gradual elevation gain. There are excellent vantage points along the trail. Looking west, you can see the San Andres Mountains and notice the glistening gypsum White Sands at their southern base and the contrasting black lava flow to the north. The beautiful Sierra Blanca, rising almost 12,000 feet above sea level, is east on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.
Remember to dress appropriately and bring water, a packed lunch, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. The hike will be approximately 3 hours and is of moderate difficulty. The hike will stay on established trails. The main petroglyph trail Three Rivers is at a higher elevation and dehydration can be common, so please bring a lot of water. There are flush toilets available for use in the parking lot, but no facilities along the trails. Dogs are not permitted on any of the trails at Three Rivers. There is a day use fee per vehicle of $5 (Cash Only).
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is located 17 miles north of Tularosa and 28 miles south of Carrizozo on U.S. 54. Turn east from U.S. 54 at Three Rivers onto County Road B30 and travel five miles on the paved road. (MAP) It is a 2-hours drive from El Paso so plan on leaving no later than 8 AM. It is a little under 2 hours from Las Cruces.