Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site | Arizona
The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site contains numerous, well-preserved petroglyphs that hold deep cultural meaning and historic importance. The trail is appropriate for beginner hikers and interpretive signs can be found along the trail.
The site has over 500 petroglyphs made by members of several different American Indian groups over an 8,000-year period.
The site was used for several purposes including religious, ceremonial, and seasonal observations. Petroglyphs deliberately placed on boulders use the interplay of light and shadow to show seasonal changes. Rock writing that might indicate calendar observations include spirals, circles, bisected circles, plants, baskets, and constellations.
There are many things to do and places to stay while visiting the Arizona Strip. Nearby public lands include BLM Utah's Red Mountain Wilderness, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and Dixie National Forest’s Pine Valley Ranger District.
Read these pro tips to enjoy sharing these public lands with a variety of recreation users.
Hours and Seasons
Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site is open all year.
Roads may be impassable during heavy rain. Check the weather and contact the BLM for current road conditions at 435-688-3200.
Features and Services
Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.
Toilets: A vault toilet is available for public use at the trailhead.
Cell Phone and Internet: Not reliable.
Pets: Pets, including service dogs, are allowed. Please follow Leave No Trace ethics.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site. Let someone know where you are and what to do if you do not return on time.
Be prepared. Visitors could encounter hazards such as venomous reptiles and invertebrates, extreme heat or cold, or flash flood conditions. Dress in layers appropriate for extreme weather changes. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.
Respect and Protect
To prevent erosion and to protect the valuable and fragile resources – practice leave no trace and tread lightly ethics.
Avoid touching or rubbing petroglyphs – acids from the human body destroys
Refrain from chalking the petroglyphs – chemical action destroys
Abstain from climbing or sitting on rocks – abrasion destroys
Resist the urge to draw or scratch on any of the rocks
Be sure to look carefully! Erosion and lichen can appear to be petroglyphs at first glance.
Please respect the past. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. For your own safety, please stay on the trail. Your cooperation is appreciated.
There are penalties for defacing or destroying petroglyphs. Information on vandalism at this site or others like it can lead to a $500 reward. Report crimes to resources including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.
The use of exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is always prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
The parking area consists of hard-packed ground.
This trail may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments.
A gravel walkway with a slope of less than 5 percent leads from parking area to the vault toilet, day-use area, and picnic area. Parts of the walkway have buckled, washed out, and contain loose gravel, presenting potential challenges to visitors with mobility impairments.
The picnic table is configured such that it may limit access by visitors who are mobility impaired or are in a location with soft gravel or other substrate that may pose a challenge to visitors who are mobility impaired.
Descriptions and photos uploaded December 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
For awareness, the route to the trailhead recently changed as the state has leased land for a gravel pit within the main access road to Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site.
High-clearance vehicles are a must. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Avoid these routes when wet or rain is expected.
Take the Southern Parkway to River Road Exit. Take River Road south into Arizona for 0.3 miles. Turn left and follow the un-improved routes for 4.5 miles.
Alternatively, take the Southern Parkway (Highway 9) to Warner Valley Exit 10. Take two rights onto the frontage road and drive south for 4.2 miles. Turn right following the road 0.1 miles around the ranch. At the stateline, turn right onto BLM 1124 and follow 2.3 miles to the site.
Fees
The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site and Trail is open to the public free of charge.
However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Arizona Strip Field Office, located at the interagency Public Lands Center at 4001 East Aviator Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790 or call 435-688-3200 for more information.