Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site
The Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, formerly known as V Bar V Heritage Site, is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, as well as one of the best-preserved. The site was acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, and kept open to the visiting public for their enjoyment and opportunity to learn more about our national cultural heritage. As partners in this effort, both the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and the Friends of the Forest provide interpretive tours and on-site management. The Red Rock Pass Program provides funding for the protection, enhanced amenities and facility maintenance under authority of the National Recreation Enhancement Act of 2005.
A visitor center and bookstore, operated by the Forest Service and the Arizona Natural History Association, is located about 100 yards from the parking area.
The Beaver Creek Rock Art Style: Rock art is one type of archaeological data that can be used to identify prehistoric cultures and time periods. Various styles of rock art have been identified, based on the kinds of elements, unique elements, relationships between elements, and manufacturing techniques. By making these observations, various rock art styles have been defined for the prehistoric Southwest. One of these styles -- the Beaver Creek Style -- has been identified through the studies of rock art sites in the Beaver Creek area, especially here at Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site. This research has resulted in the definition of the Beaver Creek Style, which is diagnostic of the Southern Sinagua between A.D. 1150 and 1400.
The documentation of the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site has provided important information for defining important characteristics of the Beaver Creek Style.
Guided tours are provided by both the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and Friends of the Forest during these hours (petroglyph area is fenced and only accessible during regular visiting hours).
General Information
Check the Recreation Conditions Report for the latest information.
- Current hours are Friday - Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (entrance gate closes at 2:30 p.m.)
- Closed Thanskgiving and Christmas
A Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass is required on all vehicles parked at our cultural sites. A Red Rock Pass can be purchased from the self-serve vending machine at the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site.
Prior to visiting, please read visit the Safety and Outdoor Ethics page, which includes archaeological and heritage site etiquette guides.
Pets are not allowed.
Address: 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351
Phone: 928-203-2900
Hours: Wednesday 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. All other days, open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.66629
Longitude: -111.71677
Elevation
3794 ft.
Directions
Location: Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site is located 2.8 miles east of the junction of I-17 and SR 179 on FR 618. Watch for the entrance on your right less than one-half mile past the Beaver Creek Day-Use Picnic Area.
GPS (Map): 34°39'55.4"N 111°42'57.8"W
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Public water is not available. Bring your own, or you may purchase bottled water from the visitor's center.
