Puerco Ruin and Petroglyphs are the ruins of a large Indian pueblo, which reached its peak around 1300 CE, containing over 100 rooms. It is the largest known archeological site within the Petrified Forest National Park.
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Newspaper Rock
4.8
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A fascinating and underrated stop inside Petrified Forest National Park! Puerco Pueblo offers a glimpse into the past with the remnants of a 1000-year-old ancestral Puebloan village. The short paved loop trail is easy to walk, perfect even for kids or those looking for a quick, meaningful stop.
Along the way, there are interpretive signs explaining how the ancient people lived, including their dwellings, daily routines, and belief systems. One highlight is the famous solstice marker petroglyph, which aligns with the sun during the summer solstice — so cool to see!
You won’t need more than 20–30 minutes here, but it’s well worth it. I really enjoyed imagining what life was like here centuries ago. Definitely stop by if you’re...
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It is a remarkable sight. It blends the remains of ancient ruins with a beautiful courtyard and captivating petroglyphs. The informational signage found throughout the site provides valuable insights. As you explore, you can't help but appreciate the effortless accessibility to such historical remnants. This must-visit spot in the national park allows you to vividly imagine life during those ancient times. The petroglyphs themselves are awe-inspiring and definitely worth the short trek for an up-close view. While the entire Petrified Forest National Park is stunning, the Pueblo stands out as one of the most captivating attractions. Its combination of ancient ruins and accompanying petroglyphs creates an...
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The remains of the pueblo are interesting, but the real attraction is the petroglyphs. Living out west, I've seen a lot of petroglyphs in my life, but I have never seen anything like these. The so-called "Newspaper Rock" is not to be missed, nor the "Sun Dagger" equinox marker. The walk around the pueblo is short--less than a half mile walk--and mostly level, and like the rest of the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert park, there is excellent road access and parking to both the pueblo proper, and Newspaper Rock down the road a bit. So be make sure to budget some time during your visit to the park to stop in at Puerco Pueblo, it's as fascinating as any...
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