The Hieroglyphic Trail's eponymous drawings were mistaken by early settlers for Egyptian hieroglyphics due to their general resemblance, but are in fact petroglyphs left by the Hohokam Indians. The Hieroglyphic Trail rises 1.45 miles through a diversely vegetated bajada to the canyon mouth, where the petroglyphs are located above seasonal pools.

Petroglyphs are simple rock art carvings, whereas hieroglyphs are stylized pictures used to represent words and language

The trail providers sweeping views of Mesa and Apache Junction to the west, and Superstition Wilderness to the east

The Superstitions were home to the Salado, Hohokam and Apache Indians for centuries before the arrival of modern settlers

Many non-succulent desert plants are able to shed leaves during drought and idle their metabolisms

Despite thorough analysis, no one is certain what these petroglyphs mean or represent

The Hieroglyphics Trail showcases the unsurpassed biodiversity of the sonoran desert

Petroglyphs are carvings pecked into rock, while pictographs are rock paintings

A leafy Ocotillo plant stands vigil over the bajadas - Ocotillo will shed their leaves during a drought to conserve energy and will re-grow their leaves 48 hours after a rainfall

A series of pools at the base of the canyon holds the highest concentration of petroglyphs

Although Teddy Bear Cholla flower, they rely on fallen joints for reproduction, which root easily where they land

Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife in the bajada

Dark desert varnish is the ideal canvas for etching petroglyphs

Could this rock carving represent a snake? Cactus? Only the Ho Ho Kam know for sure.

The Ho Ho Kam name has various acceptable spellings including Hohokam, Hobokam, Huhugam and Huhukam

Cholla spines are covered with a papery sheath that reflects sunlight and protects the stems from overheating