Newspaper Rock is a collection of ancient petroglyphs that can be seen from a vista point. It is not possible to get to the the petroglyphs from the parking area or vista point as they are at the bottom of the bluff. Bring binoculars or a camera with telephoto for the best view.
There are no facilities here. An interpretive sign provide information about the petroglyphs. The parking area can accommodate RVs and buses.
If you are particularly itching to get closer to the petroglyphs, a two-mile (3.2 km) round trip on a dirt road that startes across from the Puerco Pueblo parking area will get you closer. Note that the road is closed to non-Park vehicles so you will have to walk. When you see the Newspaper Rock vista point on the bluffs above, you will need to cut cross country for around 700' (210 m) to reach the petroglyphs but be prepared for scrambling across rocky debris and don't touch the petroglyphs...
Read moreEverything in Petrified National Forest is just amazing to see. We bought a National Parks pass and travel for work, so this is just one of the places we managed to see on some of our travels. I highly recommend taking a windbreaker or jacket (we were there March 3rd 2024)- even with the sun shining and temperatures weren’t bad, the wind was crazy strong and made for a chilly visit. And binoculars are a good investment from the gift shop if you don’t bring your own! There are paths to walk in some areas of the park, but this is one of many points of interest that you can only see from a distance. Without binoculars or a camera/phone with good clarity when zooming in close, the petroglyphs here are difficult to see in much detail from the...
Read moreNewspaper Rock National Historical Monument is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The abundance of petroglyphs here is simply astounding, providing a captivating window into the past.
I highly recommend visiting the viewing platform, where informative placards offer valuable insights into the significance of these ancient symbols.
For the best viewing experience, head to the spot indicated to behold the largest concentration of symbols. Plus, with permanently mounted binoculars available, you can immerse yourself even further into the intricate details.
Don't forget your camera – zooming in on the petroglyphs captures their essence beautifully, preserving the magic of Newspaper Rock for...
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