Honey Bee Canyon Hiking: Ancient Petroglyphs

Nested between the two luxury developments Honey Bee Canyon and Honey Bee Ridge is an ancient desert monument. The petroglyphs located in Honeybee wash are estimated to be up to 1000 years old. Amazingly, this stunning rock art is relatively unknown and is definitely off the beaten path. For those with the curiosity and energy to explore this beautiful area, a historical treasure awaits.

The Oro Valley petroglyphs are about a 1 mile hike from the main road (Rancho Vistoso). The terrain is relatively flat but you will be walking in a wash, so the sand can add an element of difficulty to the hike. If you go during the summer, be sure to bring more water than you think you will need because the wash can get unbelievably HOT. This area contains a LOT of wildlife, so be sure to stay alert and watch where you step.

As you walk through this wash you will catch a glimpse of some amazing luxury homes located in Honey Bee Ridge and Honey Bee Canyon developments. You will also see some amazing geology along the banks of the wash. If you feel like you might have missed the Owl petroglyph, keep going, it is impossible to miss.

The owl petroglyph is remarkable on its own, however, if you explore the area you might find some hidden treasures most people overlook. In addition to the rock art, there are the ruins of a very old stone dam, probably built for prospecting or to aid ranchers. As the day wears on, the shadows on the rocks change and there are many interesting carvings scattered on the rocks near the monumental owl petroglyph. This image below is an example of how many glyphs can become invisible if you are not looking very carefully...



The owl petroglyph itself seems to tell a story. At the center of the rock is a very common anthropomorphic motif that may be a symbol for the shaman. Many of the petroglyph sites around Tucson are considered to be sacred places where the shaman bridged the spiritual and temporal universe. Unlike many petroglyphs in the southwest, which depict animals or hunting, this petroglyph seems exclusively concerned with the cosmos.



The motifs surrounding the central humanoid figure are astrological in nature. In contrast to the more common spiral motif, this petroglyph showcases a 'double circle' design. This double circle is repeated throughout the rock structure and is slightly visible in the background, indicating the presence of this symbol before the newer designs in the foreground.

The Owl in the Honey Bee Canyon petroglyph generally is used to symbolize a warning. In contrast to western traditions of the 'wise owl' native americans in the southwest regarded the owl with foreboding. The owl is often a warning associated with death. The presence of the owl, in conjunction with the astrological motifs, may be an indication of an astrophysical event such as an eclipse.

On the north-facing side of the owl glyph, I discovered what could be an ancient astrological chart, possibly depicting important constellations or planetary configurations. Of course it is also possible these 'holes' are the result of gunfire, but the barely-visible anthropomorph (and lack of bullet holes in the surrounding rock) suggest the marks are of symbolic importance.

If you decide to visit these amazing and mysterious monuments, please remember to respect them so future generations can enjoy this historic treasure.