Trail Run Project Logo

gem icon Signal Hill Petroglyphs [Suggest Edits]

13 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

No visit to the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park would be complete without a stop at Signal Hill. Though graffiti is strictly forbidden today, the artists of the Hohokam period approximately 650 years ago had no such inhibitions.

Today, the remnants of Hohokam rock art can be seen at various places in the park, though the Signal Hill Petroglyphs are especially remarkable. A combination of designs are present at Signal Hill, ranging from humanoid forms to abstract shapes. Most of the rock art in the area falls into the category of "Petroglyph", meaning that the figures were pecked into the rock, as opposed to"pictographs," which were painted onto the surface of the rock using clay or plant-based inks.

There are many examples of this ancient art on display here, and scientists have wondered over the age of the images as well as the meaning. The petroglyphs may be ceremonial in nature, might have been used for communication, or may have been artistic expression. Either way, these long-standing images have given archeologists insight into what life in the area was like between 550 and 1550 years ago. The mystery of the glyphs remains today and continues to draw visitors in to further explore the rich history of the area.

With a viewing platform that provides an excellent place to see the multitude of petroglyphs, and easy access, a stop at Signal Hill is well worth your time.

Short Walk: Located not far from the parking area, the viewing platform is accessible by all visitors. Take the Signal Hill Trail to reach Signal Hill.

Gem Type: Prehistoric Site

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite The road leading to the main Gates Pass parking area.

Gates Pass

(1) Tucson…, AZ
gem Favorite Looking down the final stretch of trail to Wasson Peak.

Wasson Peak

(16) Tucson…, AZ
gem Favorite A rare Crested Saguaro along the Yetman Trail.

Crested Saguaro

(7) Tucson…, AZ
gem Favorite Incredible section of cacti in Sweetwater Preserve.

Crested Saguaro

(4) Flowing…, AZ
gem Favorite Sun Circle!

Sun Circle

(3) Flowing…, AZ

Nearby Trails

9.4 mi 15.1 km Wasson Peak Summit
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Flowing Wells, AZ
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Flowing Wells, AZ
Unknown
Update
28 
8.4 mi 13.5 km Wasson Peak Circle Route
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Tucson Estates, AZ
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Tucson Estates, AZ
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry - Great maintained trail
19 days ago
28 
9.8 mi 15.8 km Wasson Peak - Hugh Norris
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Picture Rocks, AZ
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Picture Rocks, AZ
Unknown
Update
14 
1.1 mi 1.7 km Saguaro Vista Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Flowing Wells, AZ
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Flowing Wells, AZ
All Clear
Update
Dry
17 days ago
11 
4.9 mi 7.9 km Brown Mountain
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Tucson Estates, AZ
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Tucson Estates, AZ
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
35 days ago
11 
22.3 mi 35.9 km Honeybee Canyon Loop
Intermediate Intermediate
Catalina, AZ
Intermediate Intermediate
Catalina, AZ
Unknown
Update
3.5 mi 5.6 km Sweetwater Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Flowing Wells, AZ
Intermediate Intermediate
Flowing Wells, AZ
All Clear
Update
Dry
24 days ago
13 
1.2 mi 1.9 km Safford Peak Trail
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Picture Rocks, AZ
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Picture Rocks, AZ
Unknown
Update
3.2 mi 5.2 km King Canyon Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Tucson Estates, AZ
Intermediate Intermediate
Tucson Estates, AZ
All Clear
Update
Dry
23 days ago
16 
11.4 mi 18.3 km CaƱada del Oro River Park Trail
Easy Easy
Casas Adobes, AZ
Easy Easy
Casas Adobes, AZ
Unknown
Update
Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on Jun 21, 2016. All Page Views: 4,447. Last Month: 14.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.