Arizona is absolutely loaded with history that dates back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and no town has a wider range of places to explore than Holbrook. From Native American rock art to a street named after a bloody bar fight, this little town is a hidden gem begging for you to visit.
Hunter-gatherers and farmers alike began passing through the area circa 5000 BC. Rock art, former dwellings, and artifacts from these ancient peoples have been preserved by Rock Art Ranch owner Brantley Baird, who has lived on-site since 1948.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Over 3,000 petroglyphs still remain etched into the two-mile canyon, so imagining how many additional drawings have been worn away over time is mind-boggling. You’ll see images of people, animals, strange symbols, and deities.
Flickr/Alan Levine
This is a Sweat Lodge used to conduct religious purification ceremonies. Individuals needing to be cleansed would enter the sauna-like structure and remain inside until a spiritual leader believed the toxins to be gone.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Who knew ancient people liked drinking coffee? You might be surprised at some of the items left behind by Native Americans, cowboys, and pioneers.
Flickr/cogdog Address: Bell Cow Rd., Holbrook, AZ
Also in Holbrook is a street gruesomely named after Terrill’s Cottage Saloon, where a gunfight took place in 1886 that left the floors covered in a “bucket of blood.” The bar stayed open throughout much of the 20th century and was a popular stop along Route 66, but it had to shut down when business quit booming.
Flickr/Peter Eimon Address: 101 Bucket of Blood St., Holbrook, AZ, 86025
Petrified Forest National Park was once located near the equator when Earth consisted of one giant landmass known as Pangaea, and fossils found here date back over 200 million years. This site spans nearly 150 square miles and extends into the Painted Desert’s southern edge.
Flickr/andrew_kearns_photography
In addition to exploring the fascinating natural phenomena for yourself, there’s also a museum with several fossils of impressive quality. Come face-to-face with animals and plants from early dinosaur days, a rare opportunity we’re incredibly lucky to have access to here in Arizona.
Flickr/petrifiedforestranger Address: Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ, 86025.
Before heading home, stay a night or two in Arizona’s most nostalgic motel. Open since 1950, Wigwam Village is a time machine back to days of road trip culture - complete with classic cars permanently claiming spots in the parking lot.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk Address: 811 W. Hopi Dr., Holbrook, AZ 86025.
Have you ever been ever been to Holbrook? Are there any other Arizona towns full of ancient mysteries? Tell us all the ones you’ve visited!
Flickr/Alan Levine
Flickr/cogdog
Address: Bell Cow Rd., Holbrook, AZ
Flickr/Peter Eimon
Address: 101 Bucket of Blood St., Holbrook, AZ, 86025
Flickr/andrew_kearns_photography
Flickr/petrifiedforestranger
Address: Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ, 86025.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Address: 811 W. Hopi Dr., Holbrook, AZ 86025.
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