The Petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock

Strange rock carvings called Petroglyphs etched into a sandstone area called Newspaper Rock in the Petrified Forest National Park have fascinated experts and tourists for many years.

Situated just south of the peurco river in the Petrified Forest accessed by a road off the main scenic driveway Newspaper Rock awaits you.

Closer inspection of these mysterious carvings are possible with the use of binoculars that are provided free of charge by the park.

it is estimated that these particular etchings are between 650 and 1000 years old and more than likely made by the Anasazi.

Notice the very dark exterior colour of the rock, this is known as the desert varnish which is a build up of organic deposits that gets darker and harder over time and allows the rock art scratched into the sandstone below to stand out and be seen clearly.

On the Petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock you can clearly see handprints and the human form as well as birds, reptiles and other animals of various shapes and sizes.

If you drive just a little further north up the parks main road to Puerco Pueblo Indian Ruins many more rock carvings are on display here depicting circles and spirals.

Petrified Forest National Park also has many of these sandstone etchings that scientists have proved are solar calendars used so that the creators of these designs would know when it was the right time for rituals or ceremonies.

We will never truly know what all of these inscriptions really mean, maybe some of them were just ancient doodles.

Newspaper Rock is just another fascinating secret that the Painted Desert keeps to herself.

Holbrook is the closest location to find a hotel room near to the Petrified Forest where there is a Holiday Inn but the city of Flagstaff is not too far away and has more amenities if you are visiting other sites nearby.

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