Leaders: Gordon Hanson and Jim Avramis
Site Description: This trip leads to seven small petroglyph-covered boulder hills around Cocoraque Butte, located in Ironwood Forest National Monument. The site has the largest-known selection of “bell rocks” in southern Arizona and about 2,000 petroglyphs on rounded black boulders. Some glyphs can be seen from the base of the hills with binoculars, but climbing the largest of the boulder-covered hills is the best tour. Hiking terrain is flat with boulder-covered hills rising from the base. A fifteen-minute walk from the parking area along an old sandy road to the largest of the hills is the first stop. The hills vary from a few feet to the tallest stack of boulders measuring 100 feet high. The optional climb to the top is rewarding but rated difficult. Bring water, lunch, and snacks.
References: Hernbrode 2018, 2019a, 2019b, 2021; Hernbrode and Boyle 2016, 2017
Difficulty: 2.2 miles walking over flat desert with some deep sand with 50 ft of elevation gain. A climb to the top of the highest hill adds 100 ft of elevation.
Vehicle Requirement: high clearance needed, 4x4 recommended
Driving Time/Distance (One Way): 1.25 hrs; 31 miles with the last 6 miles unpaved with some deep sand (and mud if it has rained)
Max. Number of Participants: 20
Fee: None
