Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksHiking Trails
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The School of Human Evolution and Social Change's Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve features one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the Phoenix Valley. Visit the museum galleries to learn about the Indigenous peoples that traveled through this location as well as cutting edge research on Southwest Archaeology. Then view the petroglyphs and encounter native desert plants and animals in their natural habitat along the quarter mile trail. Admission discounts available for seniors, children, students, and AAA members.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles126 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
37
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
2

WorldDiner2000
Phoenix, AZ59 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2016 • Couples
This is just off 1-17 in Phoenix and is one of the most fascinating concentrated petroglyphs in the area. fantastic site and the birds native plants and chuckwallas helped make this an extra magical moment.Tips. wear hiking shoes or good gyms shoes. trails is not tuff. bring hat and sunscreen and binoculars. family and kid friendly
Written June 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fitchgirl
Madison, WI32 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2016
We had a very interesting time here. Learned a lot about petroglyphs and the area in general.

The trail walk was not to strenuous and had benches to sit here and there for shade. We saw a chuckwalla (reptile?), neat find.

If you take your kids, ask for the petroglyph treasure hunt worksheet, it helps them find the designs in the rocks.

The inside exhibits are very informative and there is a cute little gift shop area.

Not too pricey for a morning adventure!
Written April 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RoseMarie8787
Tucson, AZ147 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2016 • Couples
The Preserve and Trail consist of a visitor center/museum and a short walk to see the protected petroglyphs on the gravel trail. The center has exhibits that clarify differences between petroglyphs and petrographs, explain the dating of the archeological finds, and present the Native American history of a good part of Arizona. They are quite informative and easy to understand, while being research-based. Pottery and baskets are on display besides the rocks and stone tools. Children can purchase a small clay piece and create their own petroglyph. The trail is short, and the guide brochure helps point out things of interest. There is a small admission fee and small gift store, too. Everything is handicap accessible.
Written January 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you RoseMarie! We're glad to hear you found your visit of value. If you'd like to come back sometime for a docent guided tour, they are routinely offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month, which is a free admission day, and are also available by appointment the rest of the time. Hope to see you again!
Written January 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Barbara F
Cerritos, CA636 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2015 • Couples
We found this site through the Auto Club tour book while visiting Phoenix. Nestled next to a dam, the site as over 1500 petroglyphs that are easily seen during a short walk. We brought binoculars which helped to see the details. The trail is easy to walk, short and well marked. There is a small museum inside; a new exhibit was being installed. There is an excellent 15-minute film as well. The staff is from AZ State, students in the program that conducts research here and they are very knowlegeable. Although we toured as adults, this would also be a great site for kids. However, It is mostly outdoors with very limited shade so I would avoid hot weather visits. There is a water fountain on the trail
Written January 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Russel G
Scotland226 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2014 • Couples
The first thing they should do - which they are talking about - is change its name as it is a petroglyphs centre and a very good one.
The walk is well set out and ell signposted. The petroglyphs are visible and good. For those who like this it is a great place for a.
Visit.
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Savvygal23
Phoenix, AZ112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Family
My new favorite place in Phoenix. Magical spot with a beautiful hiking trail and small museum.
Wear sensible shoes, hats, sunscreen.
Written March 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alaskanjim
Brigham City, UT91 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2014
Sorry ... Love archaeology and these sites but found it all mediocre ... Especially for then30 bucks we paid. Lots of more interesting sites you can see for free nearby. Sorry would not return
Written January 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry to hear you were disappointed, but thank you for your visit and leaving your feedback, nonetheless. If you'd like to contact me, I'd be happy to hear from you. We seek to preserve the site, make it available to the public, and inspire learning about southwest archaeology. Knowing the kinds of experiences that would have achieved that for you informs our programming and exhibit decision.
Written June 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TheSaltyPepper
Phoenix, AZ1,997 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2011 • Couples
You visit will take maybe only an hour. They gave us a very personal tour of the volcanic rock with ancient writings. It was interesting but we came when the sun was shining on the rocks so much of it was hard to see and the man said we could come back for free and recommended to us to make an afternoon visit.
Written July 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjk51
Toronto, Canada46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2012 • Family
We visited the Deer Valley Rock Art Center early in April. The volunteers are were very good and the center is very accessible for those who have mobility issues. The building designed by architect Will Bruder is beautiful. Lots of wildlife on the day we visited. Early morning is the best time to visit.
Written April 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Janet O
philadelphia161 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2012 • Friends
I have seen much better rock art elsewhere without forking over $7 per person. It may have been better at a different time during the day, when we were there the sun was directly overhead and that made looking at the rock art and photographing it much more difficult. It would definitely be better to go early in the day or later in the evening when the sun is at a different angle. The inside attraction appears to be geared to school groups.
Written February 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)