Ancient rock art sites are hiding all over Arizona, but this one is among the least-known (and most well-preserved) of all. Deep within the vast desert landscape of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, you’ll find the Maze Trail, a 1.4-mile hike that leads to a sandstone slab riddled with ancient petroglyphs. Created by the Anasazi people up to 700 years ago, one of these pictures resembles a labyrinth whose twists and turns would render it impossible to escape from. Nobody knows for sure what the mysterious drawing is supposed to represent, but it sure is fascinating to behold.
Tucked away in the remote, uncharted landscape of Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, the Maze Rock Art Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich Native American history of the area.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons Most people don’t even know the site exists and stumble upon it accidentally en route to another nearby hike like Paw Hole or Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass.
At just 1.4 miles round-trip, the out-and-back trail is short enough to fit into an already stacked itinerary.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons The hike is rated as moderate on AllTrails, starting off relatively flat before embarking on a gradual ascent.
Wide-open desert transforms into rocky canyonlands before your eyes - a remarkable feat considering the entire hike can be done and dusted in just about a half-hour.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons An elevation gain of just over 200 feet means that instead of using all your energy to climb, you can just focus on admiring the rapidly changing terrain.
Upon reaching the top, you’ll realize how far away from civilization you truly are.
AllTrails/ Lisa Delfiner Parsons It’s so quiet, you could hear a pin drop, and the undulating peaks of the Coyote Buttes North extend far as the eye can see into the distance - and the main attraction is yet to come!
The trail’s namesake is a giant slab of rock riddled with some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs in Arizona.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons It’s impossible to miss, so just stay on the path and trust you’re headed in the right direction.
If you look in the top left-hand corner, you’ll see one particular marking that stands out from all the rest.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons The small picture is the work of the Anasazi people, and it’s thought to have originated sometime between 850 and 1300 A.D.
Either before or after your hike, stop by the informational kiosk to learn more about the history of the area.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons You’ll undoubtedly leave with a greater appreciation for our state and the people who once inhabited it.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Lisa Delfiner Parsons
Most people don’t even know the site exists and stumble upon it accidentally en route to another nearby hike like Paw Hole or Buckskin Gulch to Wire Pass.
The hike is rated as moderate on AllTrails, starting off relatively flat before embarking on a gradual ascent.
An elevation gain of just over 200 feet means that instead of using all your energy to climb, you can just focus on admiring the rapidly changing terrain.
AllTrails/ Lisa Delfiner Parsons
It’s so quiet, you could hear a pin drop, and the undulating peaks of the Coyote Buttes North extend far as the eye can see into the distance - and the main attraction is yet to come!
It’s impossible to miss, so just stay on the path and trust you’re headed in the right direction.
The small picture is the work of the Anasazi people, and it’s thought to have originated sometime between 850 and 1300 A.D.
You’ll undoubtedly leave with a greater appreciation for our state and the people who once inhabited it.
Have you ever hiked to this unique petroglyph site? If so, tell us all about your adventure in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another place in Arizona where you can see ancient rock art.
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Address: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036, USA
