rock art canyon ranch

My husband and I attended the Ranch this last month. The road to the ranch is an off beaten path. You might feel lost on the way but that means you’re on the right road. We arrived at the Ranch and when Mr.Baird tells you, the ranch is on the middle of nowhere you really are! WHAT A SITE! The museum is beautiful absouloutly breath taking. The history instead literally takes you back in time. Mr. Baird has treasures that you wont want to miss out on. Brantley is the real deal! The realist Cowboy I’ve ever met. His granddaughter Tori is his right hand gal. She's a real sweetheart. She knows so much history about the ranch and hearing her stories about her and her grandpa make the tour/ ranch even more special. We left the ranch and Tori took us to a map on a flat rock. It’s beautiful it’s seriously a real map on a rock. Then we went to the Anasazi Hogan’s and sweathouse and then to the canyon. My advice when you go the Canyon makes sure you have your camera! You will be taking hundreds of pictures. This site is like no other. You can walk right up the petroglyphs. It’s outstanding. Tori told us the history of the canyon and then we had 3 hours in the canyon! UNBELIEVABLE! This is not your regular 'Tour" This is heartfelt history. This Baird family loves what they do and they take care of it. They treat you not like you’re a tourist but that you've been part of their family for years. You want to take part in the history. My husband and I plan on going back this summer and bringing all of our friends I want them to meet Mr.Baird and his granddaughter Tori (everyone needs to meet them) and I want them to experience this history. You will not regret your trip to Rock art Ranch. It’s a real treat!

I have been to a number of places with petroglyphs. Usually you are craning to see them, looking at them through binoculars, or through one of those tubes pointed at a wall where you need to look. Many of these places are mobbed with people, and it is certainly not easy to enjoy some piece and quiet while observing the surroundings.Rock Art Canyon Ranch blows all of those other places away. With over 3000 petroglyphs, many that you can walk up as close as you want to to look at them, and a very out-of-the-way location that my family was able to enjoy this place all to ourselves, this place ROCKS. In addition to the very cool location in the canyon, you have Brantley (or sometimes his granddaughter) giving you a tour and giving a colorful history of the area and its inhabitants. More than just what is in the canyon, there is an impressive collection of pottery and artifacts that you can see at the ranch before you head outside. When I say impressive, some of these artifacts are things you won't find anywhere else, things that even folks from the Smithsonian come to check out.This seems to be a fairly unusual situation where the area is designated a National Landmark, but is located on privately owned property.The only downside is the ride to the ranch, 15 miles each way on unpaved roads. Also, the equivalent of a couple of flights of sometimes difficult stairs down to the canyon, not accessible by wheelchair or if you have difficulty with stairs. But, it is definitely worth the effort!!!!We had a beautiful day & spent 4 hours with Brantley. All of us hope to go back there again.

This is the best kept secret in Arizona. Brantley Baird has the ability to bring the long ago past to the present with the unique artifacts displayed in the huge barn-museum. The buffalo in the pen, the bunkhouse used by the Hash Knife gang, and the canyon of thousands of petroglyphs are all part of the mystique. It is certainly a treasure trove for a historian of prehistoric lives lived, but not documented. The large stone with the bear paw and claws carved into the top to indicate the Bear clan lived there is the oldest post office I have ever seen. The unpaved road to get there is the only barrier to a wonderful hike. The downward hike into the canyon is demanding, as is the walk out again. The on-site Hogan and sweat lodge were crafted by the Navajo whose reservation is close by. Ohio University sends their archaeological class to study here for 5 weeks per year, and Mr. Baird and his wife have bunkhouses and prepare food for the students and instructors. I will return!

A visit to Rock Art Ranch is a memorable experience more due to the people rather than the site although the site complete with artifacts and petroglyphs makes quite an impression too. Mr. Brantley Baird and his wife open up their ranch to strangers daily (except Sundays and holidays) for a glimpse into what their pioneer/cowboy families built up over the decades. Rare Native American pottery, one of the last bunkhouses, buffalo, and other treasures show what life was like for both the settlers and the original Native American occupants of the land. Reservations are absolutely necessary so call in advance. You can get there in time for the 10 am tour if you leave the Phoenix area by 6 am. Mr. Baird shows a great deal of hospitality and honesty and pride in showing historical items and archaeological finds from the working ranch. Once all questions are answered, everyone follows Mr. Baird in their own vehicles to the Chevelon Canyon which contains many Anasazi petroglyphs. The Bairds have built a shelter at the top of the petroglyph site so people may picnic if they so desired. It was most welcomed as the wind was quite strong throughout the morning. The climb down to see the actual petroglyphs in the canyon is steep so if you have any handicaps you best stay on top where you can see a few of the petroglyphs. The price varies upon how many people show up but is between $25 to $35. There is not much authentic left in life but this is one experience that is real and very enjoyable.

We did this day trip from Sedona and it was very enjoyable. First part was a tour of the museum and grounds with a lucky sighting of the buffalo. Then on to the sights in the canyon. Guide is very knowledgeable of the land and artifacts and shares this with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Make good use of Brantley and ask lots of questions! Best to pack a picnic and make this a perfect and relaxing day trip. And get your picture made on the corner in Winslow, Arizona!

We went there to look at it it was so interesting and beautifull. the indian relics are very nice and the canyon with the petroglyphs are very interesting..

We read about this place by accident in our Rt. 66 magazine as it's not very advertised in the media,but if you like very nice people and Indian relics plus some awesome petroglyphs you will go to the right place. Mr.Brantley Baird a 77 yr old owner and his bubbley and cute Granddaughter are the nicest 2 people you'd ever want to spend time with and both very knowledgable about the museum items and the Rock Art. I will warn you that there will be close to 40 miles of gravel roads which I drove very slowly with our new car but other than that we had a great time and my wife took untold amounts of photos, we filled our camelbacks, packed a lunch and hiked down into the canyon for the sites and a quiet lunch down by the creek in the shade.Your kids will love the sights and the exploring and the hike is pretty easy for all ages. Enjoy !!

This is a place that is a must see! The owner, Brantley, starts by giving you some of his family history of the ranch and shows you his ancient pottery and tools that he has found on the ranch. Brantley shares with you what experts have said about his ancient Indian finds and what the local Indian tribes believe. Brantley is a delightful storyteller!When we were ready to head out to the canyon he asked if we wanted to see some of the newborn buffalo – of course we said yes! He went out of his way to let us see this awesome sight – this is one I will never forget!His granddaughter, Tori, brought us to the canyon and explained to us what pictographs we would see in the canyon and what archaeologists have interpreted as their meaning.Once we were in the canyon it was breathtaking! We spent over two hours looking at all of the pictographs. But, there are also markings from these ancient people on the floor of the canyon. I just sat down, closed my eyes and tried to imagine what it was like thousands of years ago, what were they doing in the canyon and what were they communicating with the pictographs?You will not regret a visit to Rock Art Canyon Ranch!

Living in AZ, I had no idea this Rock Art Ranch was here until another friend told me about it. We stayed in Winslow (LaPosada) and traveled to the ranch. Brantley Baird is a genuine gentleman. He loves his 500 acres- The museum is wonderful, the petroglyphs are amazing, the folklore of the Native Americans are an interest as well. A great day to be outdoors and have a little excursion! Not for older folks who cant climb. A little warm this time of year as well!This is the ARIZONA experience.....

I don't even know where to begin. Rock Art Ranch is beautiful. The owner Brantley Baird is a true cowboy. He is one of a kind. Assisting him is his beautiful granddaughter Tori. Her personality is the sweetest! She is a true cowgirl. These two are the real deal. You will want to meet them both! Seriously the cutest grandpa/ granddaughter duo in the world. You will start in The barn with all the pioneer history it's incredible the stories took us back in time it was incredible. The canyon was more than I expected! There were hundreds of petroglyphs on both sides of the wall. I took so many pictures. We had our lunch on the veranda that Brantley built. It was relaxing! I won't ever forget this trip! Don't hesitate to go! I LOVED it all and I know you will too.

We were in Winslow for a volunteer experience with ANE and one of the group arranged for us to go to this "ranch". We brought a lunch and ate it before going down into the canyon. I have a little knee trouble and made it down ok, but had to have help getting back up. Not for handicapped people. Once down, the petroglyphs and pictographs were excellent to see. Brantley was a true "cowboy" and we took lots of pictures of him and his dog. When we went up to the ranch house, we couldn't believe the fine artifacts he has found ever since he was a child. Museum quality. Don't try to go on your own. There are signs warning you off the property. You have to have a reservation! The only restroom is at the ranch. There is a "donation" for Brantley which was $10.00 for us. There is no food or water to purchase. Not for little children or people who have trouble walking or climbing and walking thru sandy areas.

I found this in the AAA book and as we would be staying somewhay near by (at least by AZ standards) it sounded like it would by a worthwhile experience and it really was. The ranch is WAY out there. Brantley the owner gave us a most informative tour of the ranch and Indian artifacts he has put together. Then it was off to the canyon with the petroglyphs, a really long drive on dirt roads through the ranch. You are left on your own to explore the canyon. There is a covered picnic area with facilities. You walk down steep stairs to the stream and canyon. There are literally 1000's of petroglyphs. You can wade and swim while looking at them and finding them. An experience not to be missed.

We decided to visit this place after our trip to the Grand Canyon. Our party or three consisted my my daughter (15), Sister (55), myself (50). This trip was made up of two parts. You first meet up at a specific time (need reservations) at his ranch. He has hundreds of relics. Some regarding the native Indians, some of the old stage coaches and furniture that came from his family, and still other areas were set up like the old west with a blacksmith's shop and old farming equipment. It was like a museum out in the middle of a desert. We took about 2+ hours to see this part and listen to his stories.The second part of the trip consisted of a drive out to the area that he has set up to view the petroglyphs. On the way there we stopped off at another area that had original mud huts and pottery that dated back hundreds of years ago. You could actually imagine what it must have been like like living there. However, Let me back up. To begin with, it is out of the way. Once you turn off the main road you will drive another 20 - 30 minutes and never see another car or person. You might see his herd of buffalo if you are lucky. You knew you were heading towards an adventure before you got there.Once you actually make it out to the site of the Petroglyphs, there is a large shade structure that blocks the wind on two sides and has picnic tables for your use. Great place if you actually brought a picnic. From there you walk down several flights of stairs (about 50') to get down to the canyon area to see the petroglyphs. There is a little river that wines through the middle of it. It is incredibly unique and we had a great time exploring.The adults (who enjoy this type of adventure and history) had a great time. My teenage daughter was not as enthusiastic about the hours of history lessons. She put up with us older folk but this might not have been one of her top three adventures.

This was one of the most unique, fun places our family has ever visited! I was a little worried when we followed Brantley Baird's directions and bounced along the long gravel road to get there. However, once we arrived we were very impressed! Mr. Baird allowed us to eat our picnic lunch in his cool museum barn with tables and then showed us his extensive collections of Native American pottery and pioneer memorabilia. We were fascinated by the amount of things he showed us and for the information he shared. It was such a pleasure to talk with him. On the way to visit his canyon with the petroglyphs, he stopped and coaxed some of his buffalo to come over to the fence. We loved seeing the Native American structures and the petroglyphs. We swam in the water and took our time enjoying the afternoon. This will be one of favorite memories of our trip!

This is one of those special places that you should not pass up. We want to thank Brantley Baird for allowing us to enjoy his ranch. You must call in advance to make reservations and the fee depends on your group but don't worry Brantley will tell you everything you need to know and does not mind answering questions. You start your trip in his museum where you are told about the ranch and see amazing pottery found there. You will then follow Brantley in your car to several spots before you get to the canyon. You will see old structure and some petroglyphs. He is open to taking you to places and stopping along the way to discuss them. You will then reach the canyon. We brought our lunch and enjoyed it under the covered tables on the rim of the canyon. It was beautiful. Brantley told us how to enjoy the canyon and then left us. We were to lock the gate when we were done. We walked into the canyon went left and saw many petroglyphs on walls and then we went right and the canyon takes a turn and opens up with petroglyphs everywhere. It is easy to take pictures since you can walk close to the walls. The bottom is sandy but water runs through the canyon. We then came to the swimming hole. We went swimming. The water cooled us in the 100 degree heat. We sat in the middle of the water on rocks and just admired the beauty and talked about how lucky we were to be able to see this. The petroglyphs have been sheltered from the outside world because Brantley and his family knew how important this place is. You see petroglyphs that archeologists worldwide come to study. It doesn't get much better than this!