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Murray Springs Clovis Site: Echoes of the Ice Age

Explore the past at Murray Springs Clovis Site in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where the ancient Clovis culture and Ice Age megafauna come to life.

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Step back 13,000 years at Murray Springs Clovis Site, near Sierra Vista, Arizona, where nomadic hunters thrived during the late Pleistocene era. Explore an important archaeological site showcasing Clovis culture artifacts and the landscape where mammoths, bison, and horses once roamed.

A brief summary to Murray Springs Clovis Site

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, especially during summer months.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is limited shade on the trail.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Check for guided tours or interpretive programs offered by the Friends of the San Pedro River for a richer experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Sierra Vista, take Arizona Route 90 east for approximately 6 miles to Moson Road. Turn left onto Moson Road and continue for about 1.2 miles to the signed turnoff for Murray Springs. Parking is available at the trailhead. Note that the access road leading to the trail is currently closed to vehicle traffic, requiring a short walk to the site.

  • Public Transport

    From Tucson, take a Greyhound bus or shuttle service to Sierra Vista. Upon arriving in Sierra Vista, utilize a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to reach the Murray Springs Clovis Site, which is approximately 10 miles away. Expect to pay around $15-$20 for the taxi ride. Check bus schedules beforehand.

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Discover more about Murray Springs Clovis Site

Murray Springs Clovis Site, nestled in the San Pedro River Valley near Sierra Vista, Arizona, offers a unique window into North America's distant past. This significant archaeological site, dating back 12,000 to 13,000 years, was once a hunting camp for the Clovis people, early nomadic hunters who pursued large game during the late Pleistocene era. Discovered in 1966, the site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including distinctive Clovis stone tools and butchering sites, providing invaluable insights into the lives of these ancient people. Archaeologists believe Murray Springs was strategically located near a watering spot, attracting megafauna like mammoths, bison, and horses, making it a prime hunting ground. Today, visitors can explore the site via an interpretive trail, learning about the Clovis culture and the archaeological discoveries made here. While the landscape may appear quiet and unassuming, it holds the echoes of a time when mammoths roamed and early humans skillfully hunted for survival. The Murray Springs Clovis Site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

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