Overlanding is about the journey and experiences along the way. Many times, the best experiences are far off the beaten path

One such destination is the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site (Three Rivers).

Three Rivers is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Site located in south central New Mexico. 190 miles from Albuquerque and 124 miles from El Paso, TX. A sizable detour from any established driving route though well worth the effort.

The Three Rivers Site was established solely for its rock art and is one of the very few locations where visitors have unimpeded access to the art. There are approximately 21,000 panels of rock art from the Jornada Mogollon people dating back to 200-1450 AD. It is believed the Mogollon lived in this area owing to the abundance of resources like water and game. This article is about the amazing art left behind and will not discuss the many theories, interpretations and beliefs of the different peoples that lived in the area so long ago.

There are two forms of rock art: petroglyphs, and pictographs. Petroglyphs are images of forms, animals and people that have been chipped into a rock surface exposing the contrasting lighter color stone beneath the weathered exterior. Pictographs are images of designs, animals and people that are painted onto the rock surface using an organically derived pigment like charcoal, clay, or red ochre. Three Rivers is a petroglyph site.

Three Rivers Site comprises a half-mile trail where visitors can see the rock art out in the open up close and within arm’s distance. (Please do not touch) Many of the images are easy to recognize; others make your mind work to decipher their significance.

As this is a BLM facility there are nominal day use and camping fees. There are several camping sites as well as restrooms with running water. As with all Department of Interior camping locations, reservations are recommended.

In addition to the amazing rock art, there are also remains of a small Mogollon village nearby to explore. Due to the remoteness of the area, those who camp will find the nighttime sky is spectacular for skygazing.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is located at:
455 3 Rivers Rd, Tularosa, NM 88352
33°20′49″N 106°00′42″W / 33.346944°N 106.011667°W

Editor Note: For those interested in exploring the American Southwest in search of rock art, OutdoorX4 contributing author Randy Langstraat wrote an excellent article on the subject in his article entitled Back in Time in the American Southwest. You can read it HERE.

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