© mike connealy

Rincon Water-sculpted huecos at Rincon held life-giving water long after the rain and sparse snowmelt had gone. The local Mogollon peoples expressed their gratitude with ceremony and art honoring the rain god, Tlaloc. rock art index page
On the ridge above the Rincon petroglyphs, a pair of shallow caves with fire-blackened ceilings were probably used for ceremonial purposes. This rock shelter and two others are located a few hundred yards to the north in the next canyon. Low rock walls afforded some protection from the wind, but allowed unimpeded views into the valley below. A few spent cartridge cases and some old timbers show that these small caves continued to provide useful shelter to a variety of people well into the 20th Century. rock art index page
The distinguishing features of the Rincon site are its expansive view of the river valley and distant mountains, and its openess to the sky. Many of the petroglyphs face upward from gently sloping rock surfaces, while those on the walls of the rock runoff channel are placed to lead the eye directly into the deep blue heavens. It is a place that compels you to spread your arms wide to embrace the earth, the sky and the sun. rock art index page