(Three Rivers NM)
The BLM manages the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, containing over 21,000 rock art carvings, and a partially excavated prehistoric native village. It is believed to be from the Jornada Mogollón people from around 1,000 years ago, or there about.
Petroglyphs Hillside
From the campground, a short flat trail into the desert takes you to the village ruins. There are just three uncovered foundations of native shelters. Nearby is a stream that would have provided water for the people, their crops and animals. Your imagination will have to suffice for how the village actually appeared.
Pre-historic native village
Another trail goes up a hill where a multitude of petroglyphs can be found. It seemed like every other rock had a drawing; small, big and bigger rocks. Some images were clearly seen, and others barely visible. The larger rocks had multiple drawings.
Group of petroglyphs
There was some repetition in images, but none were identical. Most were stylized, but a few made an attempt at drawing naturally. Subjects included animals, reptiles, birds, people, sun, moon, clouds, geometric designs, etc. Walking along the trail, I took 147 shots of petroglyphs; so, I probably missed a few.
Petroglyph of a goat
Petroglyph of a fish
Geometric petroglyphs
It appears that the native artists created an art museum on the hill near their village. Talk about culture! The day was overcast, cool and breezy so the hike was easy. I dry camped there for two days while I explored. Noone else camped, although several visited to see the glyphs. It’s well worth the trip if you like historical sites.
Camp: Three Rivers Petroglyph Site – BLM
Scene: Desert, petroglyph rocks, trails
Also see: 3 Rivers Petroglyphs Trail
Amazing that the petroglyphs are still there and so plainly visible. Makes you wonder about the intent of the people who made them – did they do it for artistic reasons, as a historical record, for pure enjoyment, or what?
That is something they don’t understand. They have never been able to decipher the symbols. Perhaps just a giant coloring book?
That one sure looks like a fish! 🙂
It sure does Brad. There is a creek nearby, so the natives may have had a fishing hole.
Love the pictures, I can almost hear a slight wind and the dry grasses brushing against the rocks. Brad, just a fish picture, not as sign pointing to a lake, although the rocks below that fish may indicate 4 by 4 needed, heavy duty all terrain tires. lol.
The place does have a special feel to it. It’s amazing what they have done.