There are many Ancient petroglyph sites hiding all over Arizona. However, Maze Rock Art Site is one of the least-known and most well-preserved petroglyphs there. Like most visitors, we didn’t even know about this place until we drove past it on the way to Buckskin Gulch. This short hike leads to a big sandstone slab full of petroglyphs, offers an intriguing view into the ancient history of the Ancestral Pueblos.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surround areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no carving in sandstone walls and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Maze Rock Art Site Trailhead:
House Rock Rd, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Coords: 36°59’09.6″N 112°02’00.8″W
Parking
Decent size dirt parking, across from the trailhead.
Restroom
There is no restroom
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
About 1.4 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain
About 200 ft
Level
Easy to moderate due to some slippery downhill. Honestly, we think this hike is quite easy.
Time:
30 mins – 1 hour
Pet-friendly
There’s nothing that say you can’t bring your dogs. However, it is best to leave them at home. This is to protect the ruins and the petroglyphs since the dogs won’t understand about not the jump or tinkle on the ruins.
Ideal Weather
Falls and Springs are the best seasons to go.
Ideal Time
Morning or later afternoon for cooler weather.
Video
The Adventure
Getting There
From Kanab, take 89-South for about 38 miles. Turn right onto House Rock Valley Road. Follow House Rock Valley Road for about 10.8 miles. You should see the sign for Maze Rock Art Site on the left. The dirt parking is on the right, on the side of the road. The trailhead for this place is only 2.5 miles from the Wire Pass trailhead.
Please note that House Rock Valley is made of red clay, which can be slippery and impassable when wet. Make sure to check the weather before you go.
Hiking to Maze Rock Art Site
The trail for Maze Rock Art Site petroglyphs is right next to the information sign. It is a slight uphill, quickly turning into steeper switchbacks. Luckily, the switchbacks section is quite short. Don’t forget to look back at the beautiful views as you climb higher. Soon enough, you’ll reach the top of the climb. There is a cattle gate there. Please make sure to leave the gate the way you find it. After crossing the gate, the trail quickly flattens out.
When we were here, we were the only hikers on this trail. The trail felt very quiet and peaceful. The quietness of this remote place definitely heightens as we cross over the open plain, toward the hillside. The trail is very easy to follow. If you look closely enough, you can actually see the sandstone slabs, camouflaging among the red dirt and rocks on the side of the hill.
Maze Rock Art Site
Once you reach the bottom of the hill, the trail gets steeper again and a bit more slippery. However, it is such a short section so it’s not that bad. On top of this steep part is the big sandstone slab, separated by a wooden fence. The sandstone slab is filled with interesting ancient petroglyphs. These petroglyphs were created by the Ancestral Puebloan at least 700 years ago. One of the petroglyphs on the top left corner looks like a maze. This is how the Maze Rock Art Site gets its name. Besides the drawing of a maze, there are many other interesting petroglyphs to look at. It was such a unique glimpse into the past. Please make sure not to deface or damage this priceless site!
When you’re done with the petroglyphs, don’t forget to take in the beautiful surrounding views before heading back the way you came from. Since it is short and easy, Maze Rock Art Site is a great addition to your day, exploring the beautiful area of Paria-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness!!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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