One of the Largest Collections of Rock Art in the Southwest
Hey everyone! Lydia Keen here, back with another adventure from my big two-month tour out west. On my journey to White Sands, I stumbled upon the incredible Three Rivers Petroglyphs Site and just had to share it with you all!
Halfway Between Carrizozo and Tularosa off of US 54
After a long day of driving, with the light running out, I saw the sign for Three Rivers. It was the perfect spot to rest for the night. The golden hour light looked so beautiful on Sierra Blanca Peak as I drove in. I checked into my campsite with ease, got my van ready and hit the hay, excited to see the petroglyphs the next morning.
The Hike
After a quick morning coffee, I headed out for my hike! For those planning to visit, there are a couple of hiking options. There’s an easier hike that’s a little over a mile long and a more rugged half-mile hike that I chose, which takes you to the most interesting petroglyphs. The Petroglyph Trail starts near the visitor center and gets more primitive as you go. As soon as I started up the hill, I was surrounded by artworks. The volcanic rock from the nearby Sierra Blanca Mountains provided the perfect canvas for these artists, and this hard surface has preserved the carvings for centuries.
Click here to download the free Self Guided Tour for Three Rivers PDF from BLM. GOV.
These petroglyphs were created by the Jornada Mogollon people between 900 and 1400 AD. The site features over 21,000 petroglyphs, depicting everything from animals like deer, birds, and snakes to geometric designs, and more. I reflected on how art is such a universal language, telling stories and expressing culture across time.
Desert Landscape
As the sun sets over the Tularosa Basin, it’s easy to see why this place was so special to the Jornada Mogollon. The beauty and mystery of the petroglyphs, combined with the stunning desert landscape, make for an unforgettable experience.
After my hike, I reflected on what I might leave behind for others, just like these petroglyphs have withstood time. It’s humbling to think about the lasting impact of creativity, and it made me appreciate art’s timeless connection to humanity.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure! If you enjoyed this video and post, be sure to subscribe to my Youtube Channel and mailing list for more exciting journeys. Until next time, keep exploring. This is Lydia Keen, over and out!
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