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Leader: Skylar Begay Site Description: This trip will take participants to two of the densest concentrations of petroglyphs along the Great Bend of the Gila River. This region lies at the interface of the Hohokam and Patayan archaeological traditions, and the cultural interplay is evident in the regional repertoire of petroglyphs. Participants will first visit the famed Painted Rock Petroglyph Site, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 to recognize the significance of its 4,000 petroglyphs. The site is ADA accessible, with a maintained pathway, parking, and pit toilets. From there, participants will rendezvous for lunch in Gila Bend before working back upriver to visit the Gillespie Narrows Petroglyph Preserve. Over 5,000 petroglyphs adorn basalt boulders and outcrops along the escarpment of a lava flow. While some petroglyphs can be viewed from the base, a moderate climb to the top of the talus will bring the grandeur of the site into focus. Bring water and snacks (lunch can be purchased in Gila Bend). References: Wright 2017, 2018 Difficulty: A level 0.25-mile ADA-accessible trail loops around Painted Rocks. Gillespie Narrows is accessible via a 100-yard walk from a maintained dirt road, but viewing the glyphs up-close requires an 80-ft climb up a boulder-strewn escarpment. Vehicle Requirement: any Driving Time/Distance (One Way): 2.3 hrs, 151 miles Max. Number of Participants:20 Fee: $2/vehicle parking fee at Painted Rocks; pay cash at the site
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