Exploring in search of petroglyphs at Saguaro National Park is all about the adventure on these two great trail on the west side of the park. Â Here’s our guide so you don’t miss a thing.
First things first...
Have you been to the Red Hills Visitor Center? Â Do you have a map? Â Do you know that the road and trail conditions are? Â Always great questions to ask before you head out into any park.
Signal Hill Trail
While the trailhead isn’t too far from Red Hills Visitor Center, it isn’t exactly the easiest place to get to. Â You’ll travel down a dirt road for just a bit before arriving at the Signal Hill picnic area. Â The trail itself is very short coming in at under 0.5 miles. Â The beginning of the trail goes past the picnic tables and down into the wash. Â Once you’ve crossed the wash, you’ll see a sign for the petroglyphs. Â Look up and maybe bring your binoculars if you want a close up view. Â Don’t stop here! Â Make your way up the rocky hill where the petroglyphs are located. Â Don’t worry, it’s only about 40 feet in elevation gain. Â At the top, you’ll arrive at the amazing rock art. Â The trail is well marked and you should have no problems directionally.
After checking out the hundreds of petroglyphs, enjoy your lunch at the picnic area. Â Great views and shaded structures await you.
King Canyon Trail
Thankfully, there is more than one place to see petroglyphs at Saguaro National Park and King Canyon Trail is your next destination. Â This is a 1.8 mile hike with a significant amount of elevation gain at the beginning, but nothing that should deter you. Â Begin at the trailhead and make your way up to the picnic area. Â Once there, you’ll see an old CCC bathroom structure that some may think is really cool and some may think is really creepy. Â I’ll let you decide for yourself.
Just past the old bathrooms (and just a little higher) is the picnic area. Â Look for a trail at the far end of the area, close to the canyon. Â It’s fairly narrow and a little hard to see, but you can definitely find it. Â From there, you’ll come to another very small picnic area and then just to the left the trail continues on and goes down into the canyon. Â From here, you’ll start to see the canyon walls, wash, and maybe catch your first glimpse of the petroglyphs (check out our YouTube video for more directions).
The petroglyphs are located on both sides of the canyon walls as you’re standing in the wash. Â There are so many, both high and low. Â Some of the rocks have fallen from the side of the canyon and they have petroglyphs on them so make sure to look at EVERYTHING! Â A little side note: Â You can get to the area if you take a left at the old bathrooms and start heading down the wash immediately, but you’ll miss the great views from the picnic area. Â
After viewing the petroglyphs, continue down the wash which leads back to the trailhead. Â Be aware that there are some uneven sections in the wash that may require you to climb or take a big step down. Â You’re welcome to go back on the main trail if you’d like, but the wash adds more fun and adventure to this hike, in my opinion.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Saguaro National Park or the National Park Service.
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