Trip Planner: USA / Arizona / Rimrock / V-Bar-V Heritage Site

V-Bar-V Heritage Site, Rimrock

4.8

#20 of 83 in Historic Sites in Arizona

The V-Bar-V Heritage Site is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley of central Arizona, and one of the best-preserved. The rock art site consists of 1,032 petroglyphs in 13 panels. Acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, the site is protected and kept open to the public by the US Forest Service. Volunteers from the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and the Friends of the Forest provide interpretive tours and on-site management.A visitor center, restroom and bookstore, operated by the Forest Service and the Arizona Natural History Association, is located on site. The fenced petroglyph site is an easy half-mile walk from the parking lot. For most of the year, there is a resident on-site custodian.HistoryThe petroglyphs were created by Southern Sinagua residents between about 1150 and 1400 AD. The site was known to early American settlers, and became part of the historic V-Bar-V ranch around 1907. The ranch headquarters were nearby, and the ranchers protected the site from vandalism. Some historic ranch buildings remain near the Visitor Center. The US Forest Service acquired the site in 1994.Beaver Creek Rock Art StyleRock art is one type of archaeological data that can be used to identify prehistoric cultures and time periods. The Beaver Creek Rock Art Style has been identified and formally described through studies of rock art sites in the Beaver Creek area, especially at V-Bar-V. The Beaver Creek Style, found throughout the eastern half of the Verde Valley, is diagnostic of the Southern Sinagua culture between A.D. 1150 and 1400.

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V-Bar-V Heritage Site Reviews

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By Kathi H On January 22, 2018

This was my second time at V-Bar-V Heritage Site. This visit was much better than the first one (5 years ago). The docent was fabulous. His hour long presentation included explanations of the petrogly... more »
By richard c On November 27, 2017

The V Bar V is very close to Sedona and home to some great panels of largely undisturbed pictographs. While most were done by the ancient Sinagua natives some may actually predate them. Jim Wilson one... more »
By karenY4051DQ On November 21, 2017

The site host totally engages the visitors. He is a retired science teacher who has a real knack for making the history interesting. I have taken others with me the last few years and learn new things... more »

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By Renee Turnbow On November 29, 2017

Highly recommend going to this heritage site. I am still awestruck! Mr. Ken Duffy is an excellent source of information. Thank you Mr and Mrs Duffy for volunteering and sharing your great knowledge!

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By Mike Snively On December 24, 2017

This is a very sacred place for Native Americans and one of the jewels of the Verde Valley, AZ. This is one of those special places that everyone misses, it is the crown jewel and sister historic site to Montezuma's Castle and We'll. If you see the others and miss this special place, you will have missed one of the best kept secrets of the area.

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By Kevin Werner On October 25, 2017

This place is well worth going out of your way to get there. I arrived at opening and we walked out with the interpretor to the site. She was great and very informative. I was much relieved to discover that they are clear that many of the meanings of the drawings are open to debate.

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By bridget highwood On September 4, 2017

What a fantastic find! One of the forest rangers (Ray) recommended that we visit V bar V - we hadn't heard of it. He told us what time to go so that we would see the sun calendar in action. Doug, the Ranger explained the pictures on the rocks, their significance and how the sun calendar worked. Then we saw it happen - AMAZING! I can't explain it, you just have to go. The only downside was that we took a wrong turning out of the place and ended up driving about 10 miles on a rough, unpaved road ( all part of the adventure).

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By Hank Stites On September 19, 2017

I had heard there was a sun dial at the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, so I went as close to the September equinox as I could to see if it were true, and it is! I had a wonderful visit. The volunteer staff were extremely knowledgeable. I walked out knowing a lot more than when I walked in. The hike in is only about 1/3 of a mile and is mostly flat. There is a well kept bathroom at the visitor's center. I'll be going back.

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