In Our Back Yard

Taos County has a rich archaeological and historical heritage.

Get out and explore. Be respectful. Don't trespass on private or posted land.

Leave things as you find them so others may experience the thrill of discovery.

Please read the TAS Code of Ethics and the Rock Art Etiquette below.

All photos on the Taos Archaeological Society website are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or shared in any way

without permission from the photographer or the TAS.

TAS members are invited to submit relevant photos for this page. Images must be at least 200 dpi.

The webmaster reserves the right to resize or refuse to accept any submitted photos.

Please indicate where the images were taken and watermark them or show how you would like them to be copyrighted.

Petroglyph, BLM land, Lower Rio Grande Gorge

Río Grande del Norte National Monument

Petroglyph, BLM land, Lower Rio Grande Gorge

Río Grande del Norte National Monument

PLEASE

DON’T ERASE

THE TRACES

AMERICA’S PAST

Petroglyphs (incised, pecked, or scratched images) and pictographs (painted) preserve the ideas and beliefs of earlier inhabitants. Sadly, many rock art sites are now being damaged by the impact of modern visitation.

YOU CAN HELP PROTECT

ROCK ART SITES

Treat all sites with respect; they are an irreplaceable part of our cultural heritage. Please do not touch the rock art! Enjoy the images by viewing, sketching or photographing only. Never chalk, trace, or apply anything (even water) to the rock. These activities make it difficult to date petroglyphs. Never make rubbings or castings; such practices can permanently damage the images. Avoid climbing or leaning on petroglyphs. Rock surfaces are often very fragile.

LEAVE ARTIFACTS IN PLACE, IT IS ILLEGAL TO REMOVE THEM

Report looting or vandalism to a Bureau of Land Management Ranger or other local authority. Volunteer your time and talents to preserve our past! For information, contact your local BLM Office.

REMEMBER, SITES ARE PERIODICALLY MONITORED BY FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL OR VOLUNTEER SITE STEWARDS.