Hiking The Puerco Pueblo Trail In Petrified Forest National Park
The Puerco Pueblo Trail is a mostly paved 0.3 mile loop trail located in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. It is the largest known archeological site within the park.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 12, 1976.
Walk among the partially excavated ruins of a 100+ room ancient Puebloan village that was occupied sometime between 1250-1380 CE by the Anasazi.
At its height, an estimated 200 people lived at the site.
A few petroglyphs can be seen from the trail including a solar marker that marked astronomical events during the year.
The petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including animals, humans, and abstract designs. They provide a glimpse into the daily lives and beliefs of these ancient people.
The buildings were built out of hand-hewn sandstone blocks and there were no doors or windows. You entered the rooms through ladders on the roof.
Besides living quarters and storage rooms, kivas were also built where ceremonial practices took place. The remains of a kiva can be seen on the trail today.
What remains of the village is no more than stacked and crumbling stones of the foundations of these ancient buildings.
The site is full of the history of the ancestral people who once inhabited the area though and worth checking out.
A number of informational boards can be found along the trail and there is even a small modern building filled with multiple displays on the local landscape and ancient people.
This is an easy hike suitable for visitors of all ages and skill levels. The trail is a great way to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the park.
Throughout the hike, visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Painted Desert.
Pets are also allowed on trail so bring your furry friends.
It doesn’t take long to explore and should not be missed on your visit to Petrified Forest National Park.
There is a restroom at the trailhead and a nice sized parking lot.
