Possibly our favourite from Three Rivers Petroglyph site. It appears to be a big horn sheep with three arrows stuck into it.3 Rivers Road to the Three Rivers Petroglyph site.
From Tularosa, we drove 18 miles north on Highway 54, then took a right turn onto 3 Rivers Rd, and drove another 4.5 miles to the parking area and visitor center. The entire trip was 25 minutes from our AirBnb. The visitor’s center had a hand-written sign on the door that said it would be closed that weekend only. So, we parked, used the restrooms, and hit the trail.
We began walking, and saw petroglyphs along the trail almost immediately.These were beside the trail, but we could see wear from curious visitors walking out through the rocks to find more.We were soon spotting a huge variety of petroglyphs on every side of us. A close up of the one above. It makes me think of a mountain goat, but I am not entirely sure.
This information is on the website: “The Three Rivers Petroglyphs are outstanding examples of prehistoric Jornada Mogollon rock art. The basaltic ridge rising above the Three Rivers Valley contains over 21,000 petroglyphs, including masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints, and geometric designs. The number and concentration of petroglyphs make this one of the largest and most interesting rock art sites in the Southwest scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert.”
Surfaces were so covered, I can believe there are 21,000 of them, as claimed.
More from the website: “The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art. It is also one of the few sites giving visitors such direct access to petroglyphs. The petroglyphs at Three Rivers, dating back to between about 200-1450 AD, were created by Jornada Mogollon people who used stone tools to remove the dark patina on the exterior of the rock.”
From the trail, we looked back down onto the parking area and closed visitor’s center.Pedro got this panoramic view of the Sacramento Mountains.This sign is how we learned they were the Sacramento Mountains.This sign for the Tularosa Basin was our view the other direction.It was unexpectedly beautiful out there.As you can see in the photo of me above, posing with this very rock, we were able to get as close to the petroglyphs as we wished. I hope there are some kinds of protections from people who might damage the images.In this petroglyph, and in all four photos above, and the one below, I noticed something.
These images are drawn with more skill than is apparent at first. Commonly, in the geometric designs, they are built with a single line, creating shapes without crossing over or stopping a line anywhere.
It’s easy to see the style on this rock – a single line makes the entire image.See how many images are here! I like the “rabbit” on the center rock.This could be a person or a creature. I just love this one.These two both seem like human faces to me.A deer maybe?A lizard?
I honestly did narrow down the number of images I am showing you. But I am left with many. I don’t mind if you scroll through quickly, ha ha. There were so many.
Two different kinds of lizardsAnother Black-throated SparrowCould not identify these birds. The one on the left is possibly a Curved Bill Thrasher, but its beak is not very curved.Our ancestors were also interested in birds.A sheep on the left, a footprint on the right.Hands reaching out to touch the snake.Another snake? A ghost? A really long bird leg?More fascinating geometry.Goat walking up the stairsAll three of these images on rocks are particularly beautiful.Magnificent birds
Ok! Ok! I’ll stop! We had to stop too. The amount of potential discoveries were endless, but we had to get back into Tularosa because we had reservations at a private waterfall! The waterfall is beautiful, yes, but even better for me was the way I found it. I’ll tell you all about it next time I’m here.
These petroglyphs are amazing, Crystal. I have quite a soft spot for them, so, like you, I suspect I would not have been able to stop taking pictures. And the landscape they are in is in itself breathtaking.
I’m guessing rock wren and ash throated flycatcher on the photos. What a great trip! Those petroglyphs are amazing. Just think of how ancient the stories that inspired them. Wow!
Conscious Engagement 
haaaa…that six-fingered hand! proof they had contact with aliens!
These petroglyphs are amazing, Crystal. I have quite a soft spot for them, so, like you, I suspect I would not have been able to stop taking pictures. And the landscape they are in is in itself breathtaking.
I’m guessing rock wren and ash throated flycatcher on the photos. What a great trip! Those petroglyphs are amazing. Just think of how ancient the stories that inspired them. Wow!
A wealth of prehistoric art. Thank you for this.