AURA

NPS retrieved and edited 1/31/2019

I’m just going to read you a bit from the Park Service about how the people we call the Anasazi kept track of time for centuries before Coronado showed up. They must have realized they were part of nature and that their lives were meant to synchronize with the seasons, which meant the dependable time clock of the solstices were worth paying attention to. And pay attention they did. They carved markers into stone that they observed were illuminated by the sun the same way from one year to the next. “ One [of these petroglyphs, as they’re called,] … is located at Puerco Pueblo, eleven miles from the north entrance of Petrified Forest, seventeen miles from the south entrance. A short paved trail leads through Puerco Pueblo to a boulder featuring a small spiral petroglyph that marks the summer solstice. For about a two week period around the summer solstice June 21, a shaft of sunlight is projected onto the boulder and travels down the side to touch the center of the spiral, peaking about 9 am. There is a wayside exhibit near the petroglyph on the side path from the Puerco Pueblo trail if there are no rangers available (to talk to). “ You may find it hard to believe, but it is exciting to be there when this happens.

● Puerco Pueblo's solar calendar

● Experiencing the Puerco Pueblo event

● 10 day weather forecast