Signal Hill Petroglyphs in Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, just near Tucson, Arizona, is home to many incredible things to do. The park features terrific hiking, wildlife viewing, and some of the most stunning sunsets you will ever see. During your visit to Saguaro, a must-see highlight is the Signal Hill Petroglyphs Area. The historic site is located just off the Bajada Loop Drive in the Tucson Mountain District of the park. There is plenty of parking at the Signal Hill Picnic Area, and restrooms are available. We were the only people there when we visited on a hot late May afternoon.
Visiting Signal Hill Petroglyph Site
The petroglyph site is a short distance north of the picnic area. It’s a quick and easy hike to get there. There is a slight amount of elevation gain and no shade available. Signs warning about rattlesnakes are around; we did not see any. Signal Hill is home to the most extensive petroglyph site in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro. Physically the area is small, but it has a high concentration of rock art. The site has more than 200 Native American petroglyphs, many of which can be spotted from the trail that climbs the hill.
The Signal Hill Petroglyphs were created between about 550 to 1550 years ago. They were etched by the Hohokam, who lived in Arizona from roughly 450 to 1450 A.D. No one knows exactly what the images mean. Some may be prayers for fertility or a sign of successful hunting grounds. Much of the rock visit can be divided into areas, life forms such as deer, or geometric designs.
Signal Hill Petroglyph Site has been popular with visitors for over 100 years. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Signal Hill picnic area and trails to the “old Indian hieroglyphics” in the 1930s because of the site’s popularity.
When viewing the petroglyphs, the park service asks that you stay on the trail and not touch them. Oils from our hands can damage them. Of course, don’t carve your name anywhere. Looking closely, you can see areas that terrible people have already vandalized.
Saguaro National Park has no camping outside the backcountry for those looking to stay the night. Catalina State Park is nearby and has an excellent campground and incredible trails. Picacho Peak State Park is a short drive north and offers camping and some interesting Civil War history.
