Painted Rock

(nr Gila Bend AZ)
A short distance west of Gila Bend, I ventured out to see some rock art at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site. It was similar to the ones I saw in New Mexico, but on a smaller scale.

Large rock with drawings

Painted Rock Petroglyphs

Two types of drawings were represented from separate native cultures. One was primarily geometric symbols, and the other depictions of wildlife. The restriction of remaining on the marked trail prevented any close-up examination. Rocks were densely packed with drawings, but only on one side of the hill.

Close-up of petroglyphs

Rock art

Many rocks with engravings

Hillside of rock drawings

The rock art was concentrated on a hill at the edge of the campground. A trail, with descriptive panels, was a short walk from my campsite. For a little while, I was the only one in the Hohokam Loop I chose; and just two others during my stay. Yet, the Patayan Loop was nearly full.

Evening light on rock art hill

Evening light on Painted Rock Hill

Date palm trees at Dateland

Date palms grove

On my way east from Yuma, I stopped at Dateland to sample their famous date milkshake. It was pretty good, and provided a cool refreshment while crossing the hot desert. Behind the store were the date palm groves.

Camp: Painted Rock Petroglyph CG – Hohokam Loop
Scene: Mountains, desert, petroglyphs

6 Responses to Painted Rock

  1. Bradford Harris February 21, 2015 at 1:28 pm #

    Hi! As always, I love the pics – keep ’em coming! The painted rocks are beautiful – the one pair I think of as “book ends”. Dates sounds so good right now… date cookies, even a date milkshake.

    • Pleinguy February 21, 2015 at 2:06 pm #

      Thanks Brad. The rock art was very interesting. And, the date milkshake was pretty good.

  2. Dorothy February 22, 2015 at 6:25 am #

    I didn’t know about the petroglyphs in Gila Bend, will check them out-thanks. I hated dates when I was a kid-we used to stop and get dates there. Certainly would love a shake though. Good info & photos. Thanks!

    • Pleinguy February 23, 2015 at 9:28 am #

      It’s about 20 miles out into the desert, and not much else out there. Interesting spot though. I liked dates stuffed with peanut butter.

  3. Dorothy February 22, 2015 at 6:54 am #

    Also it looks like pyramids behind the palms to me!

    • Pleinguy February 23, 2015 at 9:28 am #

      Yes, I thought the same thing. Those are called the Aztec Hills.

Leave a Reply to Bradford Harris Click here to cancel reply.

Powered by WordPress. Designed by Woo Themes