Puerco Pueblo

A fascinating and underrated stop inside Petrified Forest National Park! Puerco Pueblo offers a glimpse into the past with the remnants of a 1000-year-old ancestral Puebloan village. The short paved loop trail is easy to walk, perfect even for kids or those looking for a quick, meaningful stop. Along the way, there are interpretive signs explaining how the ancient people lived, including their dwellings, daily routines, and belief systems. One highlight is the famous solstice marker petroglyph, which aligns with the sun during the summer solstice — so cool to see! You won’t need more than 20–30 minutes here, but it’s well worth it. I really enjoyed imagining what life was like here centuries ago. Definitely stop by if you’re exploring the park!

Inside the Petrified Forest - an ancient pueblo ruins and many petroglyphs along the canyon beside the pueblo. Well marked paved trails, and lots of interpretive signage.

A cool piece of history with a Kiva, ruins, and petraglyphs. Short walk to each area. There was also an enclosed building with pictures and written information about the area. There were also clean, public restrooms.

Visited in May 2024. Walking around the ruins was a unique experience, and I was lucky enough to see an endless freight train and Amtrak go through in the distance. This is the only National Park that has a set of active railroad tracks going through it.

This was an interesting place to visit if you are interested in history and local culture. The area was well maintained and good information was provided in each station, explaining what each spot was. It is part of the petrified forest area tour. It is worth stopping and checking it out, but I found it a bit underwhelming.

This will be on the map you receive when you enter the Petrified Wood National Park. You'll see a Pueblo looking building that has very informational and educational posters to read. There is a little trail to walk. No bathrooms are available here. Handicap ♿️ accessibility.

It is a remarkable sight. It blends the remains of ancient ruins with a beautiful courtyard and captivating petroglyphs. The informational signage found throughout the site provides valuable insights. As you explore, you can't help but appreciate the effortless accessibility to such historical remnants. This must-visit spot in the national park allows you to vividly imagine life during those ancient times. The petroglyphs themselves are awe-inspiring and definitely worth the short trek for an up-close view. While the entire Petrified Forest National Park is stunning, the Pueblo stands out as one of the most captivating attractions. Its combination of ancient ruins and accompanying petroglyphs creates an unforgettable experience.

Great historic place in a great landscape.