Rarick Canyon, AZ

With all of the great petroglyphs photos that have been posted over the years on HAZ, it surprised me that no one has posted any photos of this little gem. It certainly can't be a secret spot if I found it, because I live in California. Of all things, Pink Jeep Tours got me there.


Rarick Canyon is located east of I-17 off of NF-618. After a couple of dirt roads you're above the canyon. Our trek took up down a narrow and steep trail that quickly descended into the canyon. There is a much easier way down. There are no petroglyphs on the easy route. There are petroglyphs on this steep descent. However, the petroglyphs are not a good indication of what awaits down in the canyon.

In the canyon there are walls covered with petroglyphs. There is only one place that I've been that had a higher density of petroglyphs than this - Grapevine Canyon in Nevada. The petroglyphs are impressive. There are herds of elk with full racks of antlers. There are lots of great anthropomorphic, zoomorphic and abstract petroglyphs.

After you reach the canyon floor you'll head north along the wash. Most of the petroglyphs are located along the east wall of the canyon. After passing the last of the petroglyphs there is a trail on the left that will take you out of the canyon and to your car.

The trail is not very long or strenuous. We went on the hike in July, which is manageable given the short distance. However, you will want to start very early if you go during the summer months. Also, remember that you are in a wash, so don't go if there are thunderstorms nearby.

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2011-05-02 slegal