You don’t need a boring class to learn the history of our great state. Just hop in your car and explore New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment has a fascinating history that will take you hundreds of years back in time. One area that is educational, inspiring, and photo-worthy is the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site in the southern part of New Mexico.

The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is north of Tularosa and near the Lincoln National Forest.

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This is one of the few places in the Southwest where you can get close to incredible petroglyphs.

Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images

The images in this area are prehistoric Jornada Mogollon rock art. They were created by the Jornada Mogollon People.

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There are more than 21,000 petroglyphs scattered throughout the Chihuahuan Desert.

powerofforever/iStock Via Getty Images Plus The extensive number of petroglyphs in the area make it one of the largest rock art sites in the Southwest.

Experts date these petroglyphs to between 900 A.D. and 1400 A.D. You will find images of people, sunbursts, wildlife, and much more as you explore the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

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To see some of the most visible and unique petroglyphs, you will want to explore a 0.5-mile trail.

Josh Hunt/AllTrails This hiking trail begins at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site Visitor’s Center. Be aware that while this hike is short, it can be rocky and hot. However, you will see dozens of petroglyphs as you walk.

Make sure you hike to the remains of a Mogollon village.

Josh Hunt/AllTrails In 1976, the Mogollon village was partially excavated. While at this excavation site, you can see the foundations of three different Mogollon buildings. Experts believe the inhabitants of this village were the creators of the petroglyphs.

Don’t rush while exploring the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

Kari @GetSidetracked/AllTrails Spend some time at the facilities around the site. There are five shelters with picnic tables and grills. Tent and RV campsites are also available. You will find restrooms and drinking water at the site as well.

To learn more about the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s website.

Cindy Keller/AllTrails

Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images

powerofforever/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

The extensive number of petroglyphs in the area make it one of the largest rock art sites in the Southwest.

Erik Trampe/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Josh Hunt/AllTrails

This hiking trail begins at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site Visitor’s Center. Be aware that while this hike is short, it can be rocky and hot. However, you will see dozens of petroglyphs as you walk.

In 1976, the Mogollon village was partially excavated. While at this excavation site, you can see the foundations of three different Mogollon buildings. Experts believe the inhabitants of this village were the creators of the petroglyphs.

Kari @GetSidetracked/AllTrails

Spend some time at the facilities around the site. There are five shelters with picnic tables and grills. Tent and RV campsites are also available. You will find restrooms and drinking water at the site as well.

Have you ever been to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site? If so, what was your favorite part of the adventure?

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Address: Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, 455 3 Rivers Rd, Tularosa, NM 88352, USA