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
- Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
- October - May, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance gate closes at 2:30 p.m.
- June - September, 8 a.m. to noon. Entrance gate closes at 11:30 a.m.
- Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Prior to visiting, please read visit the Safety and Outdoor Ethics page, which includes archaeological and heritage site etiquette guides.
Note: This site closes when the temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$15 per week
$20 per annual
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. See "Additional Office Information" for holiday hours.
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
Restrooms
Restroom facilities are available at the visitor's center, and a new vault-type toilet is available near the rock-art site.
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.
