Presidents Day Weekend | Thursday – Monday, February 13-17, 2025
Tapamveni is a Hopi word that means “hammered mark” or “pounded sign.” These signposts from the ancient inhabitants abound in the region called Palavayu– the area surrounding Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona.
– Patricia McCreery
This year for the extended Presidents Day weekend I took an extra day off from work so I could spend four days in and around Petrified Forest National Park hiking and searching for petroglyphs. As I was driving across the Navajo Nation through a storm on Thursday evening I was a little bit worried that the rain would muddy up the roads I needed to drive and alter my plans, but I lucked out and all the roads were somehow completely dry during the remainder of the weekend. The only weather I would only have to deal with was a constant and brutal wind on Friday that made holding my binoculars and camera steady a real challenge at times. Aside from hiking to new places and finding many new petroglyphs along the way, I also revisited a couple of sites that I wanted to search more thoroughly. These are some photos from my holiday weekend in the Palavayu.
Looking down on petroglyphs located above the Little Colorado River.
Snake Lips
Little Lion
Mother of Game Panel
Mountain Lion View
I found these mud cracks that were bulging up against the canyon wall interesting since most that I find are flat on the ground.
Four Dancers Panel
Rocking Sheep Panel
A busy panel of faded petroglyphs bathed in warm reflected light.
Standing on Shoulders Panel
Broken Circles
Lichen Man
Jump Rope Man
I spent two nights at the Painted Desert Ranger Cabin.
After arriving at the cabin I went for a late afternoon hike through the Devils Gate and into the Devils Playground.
The sky was very dark and I turned around and headed back when it started to rain/snow/graupel. The wind was still blowing very strongly, too.
Sunrise at the Ranger Cabin
This older figure has some nice designs on the torso.
Big Slab Panel
Party Time
Broken Slab Panel
Dots & Sheep
Boulder Top Petroglyphs
Big Belly, or maybe a shield?
Upside Down
Wandering through the Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area.
Stars & Feet Slab
Disappearing Hands
Painted Desert Petroglyphs
A nice assortment of potsherds.
Following the wide washes through the wilderness…
Big sky over a big wash.
Whipple Point to Pilot Rock
The Tepees
I had a little extra time before the park closed, so I went on a loop hike along the rim of Blue Mesa to the Billings Gap Overlook.
Billings Gap Overlook
Billings Gap
Black Knoll on the horizon.
Silbestre Esquibel, 1811
Morning rocks near the Devils Playground.
Game Trap Panel
Petroglyphs around the corner.
Shield & Blanket
Faded Boulder Panel
The two duck-headed and winged figures holding crookneck staffs in the upper right corner of this panel are very interesting.
Extra-Long Centipede
Twins…with ducks on their heads.
Spiral Kite
Big Foot Panel
Hidden Anthropomorph
Big Feet & Flute Player
Ornamental Panel
Agate House
Overhang Lineup
Petroglyphs in the Corner
Hidden Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs in the Light
Wall of Petroglyphs
Long Faded Panel
Slim Jim Site
Slim Jim
Happy Faces
Disappearing Lineup
Under the Overhang
Jabberwocky Site
That’s an amazing abundance of glyphs. Some really lovely ones too. Well done!
Thanks Harvey! That’s why this area has become one of my favorites to explore over the past six years, there’s just so much out there to find!
Wow. Great set of panels.
Great photos Randy! I have been to that area before but have not had the opportunity to explore as much.
Thank you for allowing us a view into the past and beautiful artwork left by those long before us!
Thanks Nancy! It’s a great area!
Fantastic as always! I’ve done a lot of hiking in PFNP but never found any of these beautiful panels. I’ve stayed at the ranger cabin as well – very cool experience but windy windy!! Thank you so much for sharing