Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site
Arizona
The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site contains numerous, well-preserved petroglyphs that hold deep cultural meaning and historic importance. The trail is appropriate for beginner hikers and interpretive signs can be found along the trail.
The site has over 500 petroglyphs made by members of several different American Indian groups over an 8,000-year period.
The site was used for several purposes including religious, ceremonial, and seasonal observations. Petroglyphs deliberately placed on boulders use the interplay of light and shadow to show seasonal changes. Rock writing that might indicate calendar observations include spirals, circles, bisected circles, plants, baskets, and constellations.
There are many things to do and places to stay while visiting the Arizona Strip. Nearby public lands include BLM Utah‘s Red Mountain Wilderness, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and Dixie National Forest’s Pine Valley Ranger District.
Read these pro tips to enjoy sharing these public lands with a variety of recreation users.
Hours and Seasons
Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site is open all year.
Roads may be impassable during heavy rain. Check the weather and contact the BLM for current road conditions at 435-688-3200.
Features and Services
-
Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.
-
Toilets: A vault toilet is available for public use at the trailhead.
-
Cell Phone and Internet: Not reliable.
-
Pets: Pets, including service dogs, are allowed. Please follow Leave No Trace ethics.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site. Let someone know where you are and what to do if you do not return on time.
Be prepared. Visitors could encounter hazards such as venomous reptiles and invertebrates, extreme heat or cold, or flash flood conditions. Dress in layers appropriate for extreme weather changes. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.
Respect and Protect
To prevent erosion and to protect the valuable and fragile resources – practice leave no trace and tread lightly ethics.
-
Avoid touching or rubbing petroglyphs – acids from the human body destroys
-
Refrain from chalking the petroglyphs – chemical action destroys
-
Abstain from climbing or sitting on rocks – abrasion destroys
-
Resist the urge to draw or scratch on any of the rocks
Be sure to look carefully! Erosion and lichen can appear to be petroglyphs at first glance.
Please respect the past. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. For your own safety, please stay on the trail. Your cooperation is appreciated.
There are penalties for defacing or destroying petroglyphs. Information on vandalism at this site or others like it can lead to a $500 reward. Report crimes to resources including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.
The use of exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is always prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.
Explore Nearby
- Sand Hollow State Park — State Park in Utah
- Zion Park Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Quail Creek State Park — State Park in Utah
- Zion Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in Arizona
Nearby Discoveries
12 places to explore within 30 miles
Fort Pearce Historic Site
5.3 miles away · 4.4 ★
Dominquez-Escalante Trail
8 miles away · 3.0 ★
Dominquez Escalante Trail
8 miles away · 3.0 ★
Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site
8 miles away · 4.6 ★
Temple Trail
9.7 miles away
Santa Clara River Reserve
9.7 miles away · 4.4 ★
Mokaac Trail
10.8 miles away · 5.0 ★
Sand Hollow State Park
11.6 miles away
Honeymoon Trail
11.8 miles away
Zion Park Scenic Byway
13 miles away
Cottonwood Trail
15 miles away
