Signal Hill Petroglyphs in Saguaro National Park West
Happy Monday friends! This week we’re exploring Saguaro National Park, and today we’re taking an up-close look at a fascinating piece of history to be found here. Join me as we visit the Signal Hill Petroglyphs.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 0.25 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 50 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Signal Hill Petroglyphs
Location
Saguaro National Park is divided into separate east and west sections, and to enjoy the Signal Hill Petroglyphs you have to visit the west side of the park, also known as the Tucson Mountain District (TMD). Located along Bajada Loop Drive just off North Golden Gate Road is Signal Hill Road. This unpaved area has a small loop parking lot along with restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead. The short hike to the petroglyphs and is less than a 1/4 mile. If the parking lot is full, you can also take the Manville Trail for a 2 mile round trip hike here.
Signal Hill, Saguaro National Park
CCC Picnic Tables, Saguaro National Park
Civilian Conservation Corps
Before starting your hike to the petroglyphs, take a moment to appreciate the picnic area and the trail here, which were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly a century ago in the 1930s. Interestingly, due to the popularity of this site, the Signal Hill Picnic Area was the largest picnic area constructed by the CCC in the Tucson mountains during their time here from 1933 to 1941.
Signal Hill Petroglyph, Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park - Petroglyphs
Petroglyph History
The Signal Hill petroglyphs were created by the local Hohokam people, who called southern and central Arizona home from approximately 450 to 1450 AD. The petroglyphs are believed to have been created at some point during that time...however, since there aren’t any well dated artifacts associated with Signal Hill, it’s difficult to determine the specific dates these petroglyphs were created. The full Signal Hill Petroglyphs site encompasses a unique rocky hill approximately 200 feet in diameter at its base and 40 feet high. Over 200 Native American Petroglyphs are located here.
Petroglyphs are created by removing part of the rocks darker surface patina or desert varnish. There are multiple techniques thought to have created these petroglyphs, and it’s believed most of them here have been pecked out through indirect percussion, meaning a second rock is used like a chisel between a stone and the host rock’s surface. Park visitors are often curious as to the petroglyph meanings, and while some researchers speculate that they may mark a trail, tell a story, or commemorate an event, we simply don’t know what the images represent...and perhaps they were not meant to be known or understood except by the locals who made them. While we may not understand the meaning of these petroglyphs, interpretive panels line this trail and share fascinating information about the Hohokam people and the history of this land.
Saguaro National Park, Signal Hill
Signal Hill Viewing Platform
Visiting for Yourself
Heading out from the picnic area, the trail makes a sharp drop down into the wash before climbing nearly 50 feet to the top of Signal Hill. As you begin to climb, you can clearly see numerous images etched on the stone above. The CCC created the stone-carved staircase, which leads to the top of the hill. While it’s a short climb, the rocks can be steep, narrow and jagged in some areas, so hike with care and plan proper footwear. It’s incredibly important to stay on the designated trail...stepping on rocks could dislodge petroglyph boulders. Not to mention, these rocks can also be a resting place for rattlesnakes, so give them plenty of space by staying on the path. Once you reach the main overlook area, not only do you have beautiful 360° views of Saguaro National Park, but you have the wonderful opportunity to see many of these petroglyphs up-close. Please do not try to touch these rocks, as oils from your hand can damage the rock surface...and it should go without saying, but never leave your own mark by scratching or creating your own petroglyphs — that is clearly considered vandalism and is punishable under state and federal law.
Hohokam Petroglyphs
Know Before You Go
• This trail is short, but it’s important to note that there is no shade except for the small covered picnic area near the beginning of the hike, so I’d recommend planning an early morning visit here (particularly in the hot summer months).
• Red Hills Saguaro West Visitor Center is open daily from 9am until 5pm. This visitor center has natural and cultural history exhibits, along with beautiful mountain and saguaro views from the patio area. I would definitely consider giving it a stop on your visit to this section of the park.
• Whenever traveling to a national park, make sure to check out the latest road and weather conditions on the official NPS website prior to visiting.
• Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles when visiting this historic site. Take only pictures, leave only footprints, and pack out everything you pack in so visitors for generations to come can enjoy the unique history here.
Top 10 Saguaro Highlights
Bajada Loop Drive (West)
Cactus Forest Drive (East)
Signal Hill Petroglyphs (West)
Mica View Trail (East)
Javelina Rocks Overlook (East)
Freeman Homestead Trail (East)
Red Hills Visitor Center (West)
King Canyon Trail (West)
Desert Ecology Trail (East)
Signal Hill
In Summary
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Saguaro National Park West. For a virtual visit to the Signal Hill Petroglyphs, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Saguaro Cactus
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Explore the beauty of Mica View Trail in Saguaro National Park East! Discover accessible hiking in the Cactus Forest, stunning views of Mica Mountain, unique cacti like saguaros and chollas, and abundant desert wildlife. Learn about the area's rich history, including Indigenous heritage and conservation efforts. Perfect for nature lovers seeking an easy hike in Tucson's Rincon Mountains!