Murray Springs Clovis Site | Arizona

Visitors to the Murray Springs Clovis Site, part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), can gain a rich understanding of prehistoric life along an interpretive trail.

The self-guided Interpretive trail is approximately 1/3 mile long, with wayside exhibits illustrates what the environment and living conditions may have been like during the last Ice Age, as well as the archaeological research conducted at the site. Murray Springs Trail from the trailhead connects to the San Pedro Trail along Curry Draw with views of the natural landscape and remnants of the historic railroad and other features.

Today, scientists think the Murray Springs Clovis Site was created by nomadic hunters. These hunters stayed in the area to pursue large game, such as mammoth, horses, and bison.

Archaeologists have named these early hunters Paleoindians. Due to their distinctive artifacts, they are called the Clovis people. The first site with these artifacts was found in eastern New Mexico in the 1930s.

The Murray Springs Clovis Site was named for the nearest natural feature on maps in 1966: Murray Springs. Murray Springs is located about half a mile further east. The Murray Springs Clovis Site is one of the most important early human sites in North America, first excavated by Dr. Vance Haynes.

The site has yielded the most evidence of Clovis stone tool manufacture in the southwestern United States. The evidence of large mammal butchering and use at the site is unsurpassed. The Murray Springs Site was created between 12,000 and 13,000 years ago. It dates back to the late Pleistocene era, when a small group of Clovis people likely camped nearby. They probably hunted large animals as they came down to water in the arroyo.

Hours and Seasons       

The Murray Springs Clovis Site is open year-round. The Friends of the San Pedro River leads docent-led tours at Murray Springs during the cooler months. Check the FSPR website or Facebook page for details.

Features and Services

• Toilets: A waterless toilet is available at the parking area.
• Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service is generally good at the Murray Springs Clovis Site. Public internet/Wi-Fi is not available.
• Pets: Pets are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times in developed areas, including trailheads, interpretive sites, and locations near the two visitor contact stations. Please pack out any pet waste.

Safety and Conditions

You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire.

There is no first aid available on-site. The nearest hospital is in Sierra Vista.

The San Pedro River is subject to seasonal flooding, and summer monsoons are common.

The region is a travel corridor for illegal immigrants traveling from Mexico. Nevertheless, visitors can safely enjoy the SPRNCA. Please report all suspected illegal activities to the Bureau of Land Management or local law enforcement authorities. Avoiding contact with people exhibiting suspicious behavior or engaged in dangerous activities.

Respect and Protect

Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by staying on designated trails, observing wildlife from a distance, and leaving no trace during your visit.

The use of metal detectors is prohibited.

Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.