Rinconada Canyon Stop 6

The view from Stop 6 on the Rinconada Canyon Trail

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Audio Description, Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Audio Tour Stop #6: Fading petroglyphs 

(0.85 miles / 1.36 km – bullet scars and modern graffiti) 

To your right, you will see a severely faded petroglyph. Petroglyphs fade or even disappear through multiple means. They fade naturally over hundreds of years but can be permanently damaged in a matter of seconds by human impact.   

After centuries of exposure, older petroglyphs begin to oxidize, and this darkening confirms their age and authenticity. Exposure to the elements such as sun and moisture gradually causes the desert varnish to form over the petroglyphs. This natural process is responsible for the fading of petroglyphs over time.  

Unintentional damage to the petroglyphs can be caused by repeated touching. This process is likely what damaged the petroglyph you see here. Please refrain from touching petroglyphs as body oils, sunscreen, and lotions on our hands causes the images to fade faster than they would naturally.  

Petroglyphs are no stranger to vandalism. Before the Monument was established and the area protected, the West Mesa was seen by many residents of the growing city as little more than a place to shoot guns, using the large boulders, and even the sacred petroglyphs, as targets. As you walk through Rinconada and other areas in the Monument, you will see the circular bullet scars left by these vandals. They are reminders of the permanent damage done to these finite treasures.  

Today, the most significant threat to petroglyphs is graffiti. Along with bullet scars, you will see names, lines, and modern symbols hastily scratched into the rocks, left by people eager to “leave their mark,” without fully understanding the damage they are causing to this sacred site. Unfortunately, authentic images are forever damaged as there are no long-term reliable ways to cover up or remove modern vandalism. Attempts to remove graffiti usually end up causing more damage. The Monument does, however, keep detailed records of each incident of vandalism and will prosecute violators under federal laws such as the Archaeological Resource Protection Act. To report resource violations, such as graffiti, please call the Information Center at [phone] or the Archaeological Resources Protection Hotline at 800-227-7286.