Welcome to the past! Arizona contains some of the nation's - and indeed the world's - best known archaeological sites. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this site etiquette guide, which will facilitate an enjoyable visit to your next archaeological site!

Archaeological sites in Arizona are the remains of more than 10,000 years of prehistoric and historic cultures. They are a fragile and non-renewable resource. You are responsible for the stewardship of these ruins both for public enjoyment, education, and preservation of their scientific value. The following guidelines will help you minimize your impact to the archaeological sites that you visit.

Do your part to help preserve archaeological sites!

• Walls are fragile and continually deteriorating. That is why they are called "ruins." Climbing, sitting or standing on walls can damage them. Also, picking up or moving rocks alters the walls forever.

• Artifacts, in context (where they lie), tell a story. Once they are moved, a piece of the past is destroyed forever. Digging, removing artifacts, or piling them up changes what can be learned from these pieces of the past.

• Cultural deposits, including the soil in an archaeological site, are important for scientific tests and are used in reconstructing past environments. For instance, from such information we can learn what kinds of plants the inhabitants were utilizing. Please carry out any trash (especially organic remains) you may have brought while visiting a site.

• Fragile desert plants and soils that are part of archaeological sites are destroyed when you stray from the trail. Also, snakes and other small desert animals make their homes in the bushes, under rocks and in burrows . . . (you might disturb them). Please stay on trails . . . they are there for your protection.

• Fire destroys prehistoric organic materials, impairs the dating potential of artifacts and damages or even destroys rock art by covering it with soot. Absolutely no fires, candles, or smoking should occur at archaeological sites.

• Oils from even the cleanest hands can cause deterioration of prehistoric drawings and destroys the dating potential for future scientists trying to unravel the meaning of symbols painted and pecked on stone. Please refrain from touching rock art.

• Graffiti (drawing/painting, scratching, and carving) is destructive and can destroy rock art, as well as deface wood and stone buildings. Mindless graffiti destroys rock art and architecture.

• Pets can damage sites by digging, urinating and defecating in them. They can destroy fragile cultural deposits and frighten other visitors and native animals. Please do not bring pets onto archaeological sites.

Camping and Driving
Be aware of your surroundings when you are outdoors. Avoid driving or riding your bicycle through sites. Do not pitch your camp in a site. Dismantling historic buildings for firewood or any other use is dangerous and illegal. Do not camp or build campfires in historic buildings.

Archaeological Protection Laws
All archaeological sites on public (federal and state) land in Arizona are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and state laws that prohibit digging, removing artifacts, damaging, and/or defacing archaeological resources. These laws provide for both prosecution with imprisonment and fines. Arizona state law also protects human remains and grave goods on both public and private land.

Vandalism
If you see people vandalizing sites, please report it as soon as possible by calling 1-800-VANDALS. Obtain as much information about the people without putting yourself in danger. Do not confront them! They may be dangerous.

Geocaching
Geocaching at archaeological sites located on City of Phoenix property is not allowed.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help preserve these unique and fragile remnants of our American heritage. Thanks for your cooperation, and we hope that you enjoy visiting archaeological sites in Arizona!

Archaeological sites are non-renewable resources.
Help us preserve America's cultural heritage!