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All the United States New Mexico Silver City Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs

Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs

Hidden in the Chihuahuan Desert resides an amazing collection of petroglyphs.

Silver City, New Mexico

Added By
Nicholas
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Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
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Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
  mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs   Doc Nicholas / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, the Gila National Forest is home to incredible views of the arid wilderness, desert wildlife, and a unique opportunity to see ancient rock art. The Dragonfly Trail, which is also located in the forest, is also renowned for its breathtaking scenery. However, the area is perhaps most known for the petroglyphs etched into the rocks approximately two miles from the trailhead.

The petroglyphs located in this area are largely credited to the Mimbres, Mogollon people. The primary “Dragonfly” petroglyph is estimated to be around 1,000 years old and is consumed by local lore. The petroglyph depicts a unique feature of Mimbres art which incorporates loops and arcs into many of the animal depictions. 

Luckily, the site is well preserved and protected by local archeological societies and has not seen much damage over its lifetime. 

Related Tags

Trails Petroglyphs History & Culture Art

Know Before You Go

The site is located in the open Chihuahuan Desert. Traversing the Dragonfly Trail is roughly a three-mile round trip, so proceed with caution. Take plenty of water and protective clothing for the trip. The desert is cold in the mornings and extremely hot during the day.

The site is a short trail hike from highway 180 in Silver City, New Mexico, and is within Gila National Forest. At the trailhead, there is ample parking and amenities accessible to hikers, off-road bikes, and equestrian riders.

The Dragonfly Trailhead is located three miles east of Silver City on the north side of US Highway 180.

Community Contributors

Added By

Doc Nicholas

Edited By

mikewalker

  • mikewalker

Published

November 19, 2020

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Sources
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=75376
Dragonfly Trail Petroglyphs
1604 W Pacific Rd
Silver City, New Mexico, 88061
United States
32.794685, -108.184013
Get Directions

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