Cottonwood Canyon Petroglyphs

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4/5 (7 reviews)
Florence, Arizona (Pinal County)
Last Updated: 07/07/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

The highlight of this trail is the ancient petroglyphs that have been scrawled onto the rocks within Cottonwood Canyon. This area is a Bureau of Land Management Petroglyph Study Area. There are many beautiful petroglyphs to be found, mostly on the northern face of the canyon walls. These ancient writings are not to be touched or tampered with. It is recommended to take pictures but please leave these writings undisturbed for future explorers to discover. What the petroglyphs are telling us may be a mystery, but they are but a brief glimpse into the lives of the ancient people who may have lived or traveled through here many years ago.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4/5 (7)
Open
Visited: 01/02/2022

Ran the trail today. Nothing unexpected. Just as I remember it. There was actually some water running right below the petroglyphs. Smooth sailing.
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Official Crew
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13700
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/29/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Easy trail off of Mineral Mountain Rd. The treat here is the easy trek into the wash to see the petroglyphs. I would imagine there are thousands of them in this small area. Cool place.
Trail Review: Cottonwood Canyon Petroglyphs - Todd Harkins
Trail Review: Cottonwood Canyon Petroglyphs - Todd Harkins
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Official Crew
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83750
Open
Visited: 07/07/2021

Arizona National Forests and State Lands are back open for travel. There are still some very important fire restrictions in place. These restrictions can often change by specific areas.
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Official Crew
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83750
Temporary Closure
Visited: 06/23/2021

Due to extremely high fire danger, exceptional drought conditions, resource availability, and increased fire activity, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Arizona State Land Department will implement closures to State Trust Land throughout Arizona. These closures are also in conjunction with our USFS partners. As of 8am on June 25, 2021, closures will be implemented on state-owned and managed lands in all 15 counties. All state-owned and managed lands are closed to entry for recreational purposes, including hunting, camping, and off-road vehicle use. Target shooting and fireworks are prohibited year-round. AZ State Land Closures Notice
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Official Crew
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83750
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 04/05/2019

The cactus are starting to bloom and the temps are rising so we headed out with some friends to check out the glyphs and Box Canyon. The trail was in good shape and easily passable for a stock 4x4. I really like the leaping man drawing at the top of the cliff, the only one I've ever seen anywhere in the country.
Trail Review: Cottonwood Canyon Petroglyphs - Bobby Nelson
Trail Review: Cottonwood Canyon Petroglyphs - Bobby Nelson
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