What clients say about Three Rivers Petroglyph Site in Tularosa (NM)
Visitors Center was closed when I visited, but the hike was amazing. Beautiful views of Sierra Blanca and the desert. Lots of pictographs. Some were unique that I hadn't seen at other pictograph sites. Clean, covered picnic tables and camp sites. Flush toilet restrooms. The first part of the trail is paved and would be wheelchair accessible. Upper part of the trail is rocky and unpaved.
We loved checking out the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site yesterday. We walked the 2 mile loop (a mile in and back, it makes a loop if you keep hanging one direction so you can see the other side in areas). We saw hundreds of petroglyphs created over a 1000 years ago. They were everywhere and it was so cool!! I loved looking for them. There have been over 21,000 documented petroglyphs here. It was so cool!! The only downside was the Visitors Center is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and my phone signal was not great so we didn't get the map downloaded until afterwards when we left. Sadly we missed the second short hike to the old village ruins, but it was also already 92 when we finished the first hike so we were ready to cool down a bit anyway. I did download and screenshot some of the brochure to have for the information it provides about it all. It was a rocky hike, but it was soooo worth it. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend it!!
Great historical/cultural site, definitely worth a stop. More petroglyphs than we have seen at most sites! The trail is not a difficult one, but it is rocky and uneven if you are not sure footed. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Overnight camping is available right at the visitor’s center. There are 2, maybe 3 RV sites with power and water, and 10 or 11 sites that anyone can use, tent or RV. There are nice clean restrooms and drinking water available, but no showers.
You pay at a kiosk, first come first served. There were plenty of open spaces when we were there in December and the weather was beautiful, but if you find it full there is another nearby campground on down the road, just not as convenient to the petroglyph site.
Nice stop just north of Alamagordo. We did a short one mile hike and saw multiple petroglyphs. Unfortunately the visitor center was closed as we were there on a Tuesday, but we were still able to see the sights. You can pay the day use fee of $7 at a Kiosk or document your digital America the Beautiful pass. Highly recommend stopping at this park and spend some time walking about.
We were impressed with this site. It should probably be some kind of official park! They have a great walking trails with lots of petroglyphs and a small but nice visitor center. We were also surprised to find that they had a campground!
Although these pictoglyphs are worn and people have defamed some of them, it is still a beautiful place to go. About a mile, moderate walk that causes you to wonder about this ancient tribe.
This place is AWESOME! There are so many petroglyphs that I'm pretty sure missed a bunch! The trail is a little rockey so wear good shoes. No pets allowed on the trail. The volunteer at the greeting center was super cool and helpful! Ill be going back again.. by the way the America the beautiful pass works here ;)
What an amazing place. There is so much great art with beautiful mountains all around. I walked about 1 miles. The nice man in the visitor center said I could climb through the rocks if I didn't touch anything. It was fun discovering all the art.
Short hike stop turned into an overnight - surprisingly awesome spot. We didn’t even know there was a small campground here, and there’s so much to explore right from camp. Steve the host is super friendly and keeps everything spotless. RV note: only three E/W hookup sites.
Very cool moderate hike to view several petroglyphs. There is a covered picnic area midway to take a rest if you'd like. Loop trail I'd recommend a walking stick/pole for certain rocky parts, bring sun protection and plenty of water. There is a small visitors center with a map and information and a water fountain. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Excellent for a day hike. The petroglyphs are clearly visible in most parts. There is a self guided/numbered tour you can take if you'd like but honestly they are pretty hard to miss for the most part. Stunning views of Sierra Blanca, and White Sands and the southernmost portion of the Valley of Fire are visible.
An artists' playground of the ancient people. Clearly they had fun drawing shapes depicting their lives. We had a short amount of time to explore. It's an easy walk and back, but be careful with the narrow pathways in few places. Not suitable for people with walking disabilities.
Short paved road off hwy 54. Lots of interesting petroglyphs. Love the history. I was here in 2011 when road was gravel but now area improved wirh a few camping spots, welcome center & restrooms.
I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, and I must say, it left an impression on me I won't soon forget. The sheer number of petroglyphs is astounding – over 20,000 of them etched into the volcanic rock. Walking among them, I was struck by the stunning beauty and intricate detail of some of the glyphs, a testament to the artistic skill of the Jornada Mogollon people who created them centuries ago. It truly feels like stepping back in time and imagine the stories behind each glyph.
The trail is well laid out and relatively easy to follow. There is a shaded area that one can take a rest and admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The visitor's area offers clean, modern restrooms and facilities for picnicking and camping. This incredible site is well worth the moderate entrance fee.
I think this site is on the national level. The trails lead you directly to petroglyphs and you are free to explore every angle to find all the hidden petroglyphs. Its amazing how many there really are. I came her after visiting the national site in Albuquerque and this was much better in my opinion. There's a day fee of 7$ and a little area for picnicking and camping. The hike is rocky but not steep. November is a good time to visit for cooler weather. I'd imagine it gets really hot in the summer. They have a shaded area half way along the hike. The proximity to Lincon National forest and white sands NP makes this an amazing place worth spending multiple days in the area to explore. Stargazing was excellent with zero light pollution. Wildlife was rare but the coyotes were howling after sunset so keep your eyes open and you might see some activity.
Not pet friendly I bet this place is really cool. We drove a little ways to see the petroglyphs, but then when we got here, realized I couldn't take my dog on the trail; so we left. She is not completely registered as a service dog, but that's what she is and was not permitted. The gentleman in the visitor's center was very kind. I really hope they can update their policies to include our fur babies.
There are lots of amazing Patrick lifts spread out quite a distance. I wore flip-flops because I wasn’t expecting it to be such a hike. Make sure you wear hiking shoes as the terrain is very rocky. There are also some steep climbs if you’re not used to hiking.
Very nice hike. The petroglyphs start to wane after the wooden canopy. For folks looking for a quick hike with little water, I'd recommend turning around at the canopy. But for those prepared for a longer adventure, take plenty of water, hiking boots and a walking stick in case of rattlesnakes. We didn't see any, but be smart and cautious.
A very unique stop if you have any interest in Native American history. The trail is easy to walk with a little elevation gain but it is in the sun the entire time. There is a small onsite museum and bathrooms along with plenty of parking. There is a kiosk to pay the park fee but if you have a NPS pass that covers the entry.
Incredible place to hike and relax while searching for the more than 21,000 petroglyphs. The trail is an easy hike but a bit rocky at times. The petroglyphs are easy to see and either on or near the trails. Bring plenty of water.
If you are bringing children, be aware that there are mesquite bushes next to the trails and rattlesnakes in the area.
There are a few camping spots on site as well as restrooms and picnic area. East pay kiosk for entry.
Definitely plan to visit if you are in the area. You can spend 30 minutes or a couple of hours. Be prepared to get addicted to looking at the petroglyphs, it’s so fun!
A unique stop anyone driving through should make. Searching for different drawings is a lot like an Easter egg hunt. You never know what you'll find. It's worth going as far as the trail goes to the north to find more than those highlighted in the brochure.
Nice place to take the kids to teach them about those who were here before us and how to respect the land. The trail is a little rugged but easily manageable, even for a crusty old bird like me. Take your time you will be surprised how many you will find. Pic never does justice to history you must experience it for yourself.
This park had some interesting rocks to look at from our primitive ancestors. The hike is considered easy, but be careful going around the rocks. At the midway point, there is a covered area where you can rest and see in different points on the horizon. We spent about 2 hours, make sure you bring comfortable hiking shoes and plenty of water and a hat.
Please keep watch for young children: 1) to not deface these beautiful petroglyphs; 2) trail is rocky; 3) rattlesnakes love these rocks; and 4) may see a tarantula! We love this place. My favorite art exhibit. America the Beautiful pass holders and military can get in free. If not, best $5 day pass money can buy. Parking open and gravel. Camping available. Bathrooms clean. Host at visitor center very helpful.
What an incredible site to experience. One can only imagine the native people who etched these drawings and what they are intended to mean. Some are obviously animals. Sadly there are signs of idiots who have decided to add their own names to this irreplaceable monument. But people will be people. Well worth your time and drive to visit a unique place like this. I've read some one star reviews complaining about no dogs allowed. Hilarious. Countless trails you can take a dog, and this is not exactly a hike anyway. Anyways, enjoy this place for what it is and what it was. I hope to return sometime. You do need exact change 5$ to enter. Other than that, zero complaints and that one is a minor one
A beautiful well maintained recreation & Camping Area. The Petroglyphs are easy to find and the trail ( though steep in parts ) is easy to follow. Camping is only $3.50 a night with the America the beautiful pass and $7 without. Electric sites available for $18.00 * no discount for pass holders. The visitor center has very nice displays and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable. There are no showers but the bathrooms are very nice and the entire place is extremely clean and well maintained.
What. A. Cool. Place. A must see if you are nearby. I went as part of a large group, but it was a great hike for that. Educational and breathtaking. Honestly the most difficult part was choosing where to look the whole time- watching my step as I hiked, checking out all the petroglyphs on the rocks, or admiring the surrounding mountains and scenery! Don’t forget a camera and water bottle.
