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Murray Springs Clovis Site: Echoes of the Ice Age

Unearth the past at Murray Springs Clovis Site: Discover the world of the Clovis people in Sierra Vista, Arizona. A journey back 13,000 years.

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Explore Murray Springs Clovis Site near Sierra Vista, Arizona, an archaeological treasure revealing the life of the Clovis people who hunted megafauna here over 13,000 years ago. Discover tools, kill sites, and an ancient landscape that offers a glimpse into North America's prehistoric past.

A brief summary to Murray Springs Clovis Site

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat and enjoy more comfortable hiking conditions.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is limited shade on the trail.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in certain areas.
  • Stay on the marked trails to protect the archaeological site and preserve its fragile environment.
  • Check with the Bureau of Land Management for any site closures or guided tour availability before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Sierra Vista, take AZ-90 East for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto N Moson Road and continue for about 1.2 miles. Look for the signed turnoff to Murray Springs on your right. 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 Transportation

    From Tucson, take a Greyhound bus or shuttle to Sierra Vista. Upon arrival in Sierra Vista, utilize a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to reach the Murray Springs Clovis Site, approximately 10 miles away. The taxi/rideshare fare may range from $15 to $20. Check bus schedules in advance to coordinate your trip.

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Discover more about Murray Springs Clovis Site

Step back 13,000 years at the Murray Springs Clovis Site, a significant archaeological location within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. This site offers a unique window into the world of the Clovis people, early nomadic hunters who thrived in this region during the late Pleistocene era. Discovered in 1966, Murray Springs quickly became renowned for its well-preserved evidence of Clovis tool manufacturing and large animal butchering. Imagine a landscape teeming with mammoths, bison, and horses, drawn to the watering spots along the San Pedro River. The Clovis people, skilled hunters, established camps here, using the arroyo as a strategic advantage. Archaeologists have unearthed numerous tools, including distinctive fluted projectile points, along with hearths and bone tools, offering insights into their daily lives. The site reveals five distinct animal kill and processing locations, providing a glimpse into their hunting techniques and resourcefulness. Today, a short interpretive trail guides visitors through the site, highlighting key discoveries and illustrating the lives of the Clovis people. Interpretive signs along the trails describe the discoveries made there and the daily lives of the Clovis people. While the landscape may appear quiet and unassuming, it holds the echoes of a distant past, inviting contemplation on the resilience and ingenuity of early humans. The Murray Springs Clovis Site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It was declared a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Government in 2012.

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