V Bar V Ranch Petroglyphs: What Makes This Unique Land The Best Place To Find Rock Art In Arizona

Summary

V-Bar-V is the largest petroglyph site in Verde Valley with over 1,000 images carved in the rocks among 13 panels.
The petroglyphs date back to A.D. 1150 and 1400, offering a unique perspective of the rich culture of the native peoples.
To visit the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required, which can be purchased on-site.

Nestled within the picturesque Verde Valley, the V Bar V Heritage Site is a remarkable testament to Arizona's rich cultural history. With its serene location in the mineral-rich riparian landscape, the site boasts a collection of approximately 1,032 petroglyphs adorning expansive sandstone panels. These ancient carvings, hailing from the "Beaver Creek Style," awaken with the sun shining across their rock surface.

Managed by the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District, the V Bar V Ranch holds a legacy tracing back to its establishment in 1900 by Benjamin Franklin Taylor and Florence Newman Taylor. Changing hands multiple times, the ranch found its way to the University of Arizona in 1994, later passing to the Forest Service. The presence of dedicated on-site volunteers and the Verde Valley Archaeology Center ensures preservation and interpretation.

Flourishing along Wet Beaver Creek from around A.D. 600 to A.D. 1400, they left behind a visual tapestry of anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and geometric forms. Of course, many people will flock to the Grand Canyon year-round, but taking a detour to Verde Valley is worthwhile to see the best petroglyphs in Arizona.

Where Are The Petroglyphs In Arizona?

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Petroglyphs in Saguaro National Park West, Arizona — Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash

Petroglyph in Saguaro National Park West, Arizona

V-Bar-V is the largest petroglyph site in the Verde Valley.
There are more than 1,000 images carved in the rocks among 13 panels.

There are a few sites for those wanting to find petroglyphs in Arizona, but none like V-Bar-V. Here lies the most extensive petroglyph site among many in the Red Rock Country and is located near Beaver Creek Campground in Rimrock, Arizona.

These petroglyphs boast over 1,000 images carved in the rocks among 13 panels, making them a sight in the Grand Canyon State.

Notably, the V-Bar-V is named for the brand used on the original ranch at that location. This property was purchased by the Coconino National Forest in 1994 and is protected and kept open to visitors to enjoy and learn more about our national cultural heritage.

There are also various hiking trails and scenic routes to and from the petroglyphs, making this the perfect AZ day trip for tourists and locals.

Address: v v, Bar D Ranch Rd, Rimrock, AZ 86335
Hours: Friday - Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM (Open at 9:30 on Mondays)

V Bar V Ranch is not far from Sedona; people traveling between there and the Grand Canyon may want to add this to the itinerary.

Wondering where to eat while traveling through Sedona? Local favorite restaurants in the Sedona area may be the perfect pit-stop after a long day.

What Is The Importance Of The Petroglyphs In Arizona?

Petroglyphs in Superstition Mountains, East of Phoenix, Arizona, US

The petroglyphs in Verde Valley date back to A.D. 1150 and 1400.

There are many reasons why the various petroglyphs found in Verde Valley and Arizona are significant. First, the V-Bar-V site has played an important role in distinguishing and documenting the Beaver Creek style, distinctive of southern Sinagua and dating from about A.D. 1150 and 1400.

There aren't many preserved places in the country where something this old and historically impactful is open to the public, especially outside a major US city, and V Bar V Ranch has some of the best petroglyphs in Arizona.

The US Forest Service acquired the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, and the Verde Valley Archeology Society manages it and has been the proud owner since the late '90s. This gives Arizona residents and tourists a unique perspective of the rich culture of the native peoples, far before we settled here and knew the powers of the desert.

Arizona has always been a hot spot for Native American art, culture, history, and influence, but sites like these remind visitors of just how far they have come. The petroglyphs, being easy to walk to, are another significant benefit of this site, as most would require people to venture deep into the hot, arid landscape of the state.

Hiking Sycamore Canyon in Arizona is another culturally significant location and is one of the state's largest.

Is It Free To Visit V-Bar-V Heritage Site?

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The V-Bar-V Heritage Site inside Coconino National Forest, AZ

A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter.
These can be purchased via a self-serve vending machine at the V Bar V Heritage Site.

For those wanting to come to see the preserved petroglyphs in Arizona, there is a required pass. Typically, these can be found at self-serve stations inside and around Coconino National Forest, making them easy to pay for and stick in your window.

The Red Rock Pass is $5 per calendar day, $15 for seven consecutive days, or $20 for twelve consecutive months. The America the Beautiful Pass is $80 annually.

Either option is great for visiting the National Forest and Heritage Site in Verde Valley, especially considering these passes give access to other parks in the country and state.